November 4, 2011

Tip Leads to Large Seizure of Synthetic Marijuana and Arrest

Police have arrested a 59-year-old woman for the illegal possession and sale of synthetic marijuana, also known as K-2. Detectives received an anonymous tip through Crime Solvers in early October. The tip alleged that Un Y. Lahr was selling the illegal substance, K-2, to George Mason University students at Lee’s Market, located at 10685 Braddock Road in University Mall.

Detectives conducted a detailed investigation and determined Lahr would only sell the synthetic substance to teenagers and students who presented college identification. George Mason University Police assisted Fairfax County Police detectives in the investigation. Several purchases of synthetic marijuana were made by an undercover officer.

Detectives served a search warrant at Lee’s Market on Thursday, November 3. Pursuant to the search warrant, they seized a large quantity of synthetic marijuana, currency and drug paraphernalia. Further investigation led them to two residences owned by Lahr. Consent searches at both homes resulted in the seizure of additional synthetic marijuana, currency and drug paraphernalia. The synthetic marijuana has a street value of approximately $20,000. Numerous additional substances were seized that are awaiting lab analysis.

Un Y. Lahr, of 9519 Vandola Court in Burke, was transported to the Adult Detention Center and charged with possession with the intent to distribute synthetic marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a common nuisance and two counts of distribution of synthetic marijuana. 

In March of this year, Governor Bob McDonnell signed into law a new statute (18.2-248.1:1) that made the manufacturing, possession and distribution of products containing synthetic cannabinoids illegal. There are nine different chemicals in this statute that are now illegal. These synthetic cannabinoids create effects similar to THC, found in marijuana. They are sold illegally under a variety of different names, such as K-2.

Anyone with information on a crime is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637). A $100 to $1,000 cash reward will be paid for information that leads to an arrest. As always, callers never have to give their names or appear in court.