Two plead guilty to sale of synthetic marijuana, officials say
Two men pleaded guilty Tuesday to selling the synthetic marijuana, known as K-2 or “Spice,” out of a convenience store they operated in Medford, officials said.
Osman Ak, 45, of Holbrook, the owner, and a relative, Murat Ak, 35, also of Holbrook, admitted to selling the drug at their VS Food Mart on Route 112.
They made their pleas before U.S. Magistrate Steven Locke, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, officials said.
When the Aks were arrested in September, officials said the drugs were sold to buyers who investigators said appeared to range in age from 18 to 23 years old.
Officials said the business’ name was Eyup Gas and Convenience Store.
The K-2 was colorfully packaged in glitter bags with cartoon characters on the front such as Dopey from Snow White, and labeled with such names as “OMG,” “Hayze Peachy King,” and “Hayze Hawaiian Ultra,” officials said.
The sales of the drug packets were made from a cigar box concealed behind the store’s cash register, they said.
The defendants put “the community at risk to the dangers associated with this synthetic hallucinogen and its unpredictable side effects,” acting Eastern District United States Attorney Bridget Rhode said at the time of the Aks’ arrests.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and the New York State Police.
The Aks each face up to 20 years in prison when they are sentenced, though that maximum is unlikely.
A third person who worked at the store, Mehmet Akpinar, 51, of Nesconset, who was arrested along with the Aks has previously pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and is awaiting sentencing also, officials said.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles Kelly declined to comment, as did Murat Ak’s attorney, Leonard Lato. Osman Ak’s attorney could not be reached immediately for comment.
Bob Kessler covers federal law, including law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS and ATF, as well as the federal courts.
Updated now Newsday travel writer Scott Vogel took the ferry over to Block Island for a weekend of fun.
Updated now Newsday travel writer Scott Vogel took the ferry over to Block Island for a weekend of fun.
