Federal authorities have seized three internet domains and arrested ten individuals involved in a large-scale scheme to distribute synthetic cannabinoids, known as “K2” or “Spice,” into prisons across the United States.
Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr., of the Eastern District of Texas, announced the seizure of HerbalIncenseUSA.com, Herbal-Biz.com, and Herbal-Empire.com on March 6, 2025, following an extensive investigation into drug distribution via the internet and U.S. Mail.
The websites allegedly sold controlled substances, particularly synthetic cannabinoids, marketed as “legal mail” specifically designed for smuggling into prisons and correctional facilities with the help of corrupt guards.
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The “K2” supplied by these sites has been linked to numerous overdoses among pre-trial detainees in the Eastern District of Texas and nationwide. A single drug-soaked sheet of paper reportedly sold for approximately $1,000 inside prisons.
Authorities report that the seized websites were the primary suppliers of “K2,” shipping thousands of drug parcels into the Eastern District of Texas and tens of thousands nationwide each year, generating millions of dollars in gross revenue.
The following individuals have been arrested and named in two separate federal indictments:
- Rana Alrichani, 46, of San Jose, CA
- Taleen Gabriel Zakarian, 36, of Glendale, CA
- Daniela Inman, 58, of Anaheim, CA
- Ioana Harhoiu, 35, of Irvine, CA
- Ziad Tohme, 48, of Burbank, CA
- Gabriel Raad, 50, of Land O’Lakes, FL
- Daisy Chalfoun, 40, of Land O’Lakes, FL
- Luisa Shahinyan, 33, of North Hills, CA
- Harout Payaslyan, 36, of Valley Village, CA
- Manuk Payaslyan, 40, of Los Angeles, CA
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The investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
The investigation was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas will prosecute the case.
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