A 42-year-old Salina man who was convicted just less than a week ago by a Saline County District Court jury for selling the illegal substance, synthetic cannabinoid “potpourri”, was arrested again over the weekend along with 8 other people for an ongoing conspriacy to distribute more synthetic cannabinoid “potpourri”.

I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force commander Jim Norton says since the mid part of July, the Drug Task Force has been conducting an investigation named Operation “Rocky Mountain High” that alleges that Eric Srack is suspected of manufacturing synthetic cannabinoid “potpourri” near Denver Colorado.

The investigation has shown the drugs are imported from the Denver area to a co-conspirator in Salina. The investigation has shown the drugs were distributed in Salina by other co-conspirators .

The investigation wrapped up Saturday with the seizure of 1.75 pounds of synthetic cannabinoid “potpourri”, $1,943 in U.S. currency believed to be drug proceeds, two firearms, and four automobiles used in the distribution or transportation of the “potpourri”.

The street value of the the seized drugs is estimated to be $19,830.

The Drug Task Force executed search warrants at 701 Bishop, 600 East Iron Avenue, 545 South Phillips and 1015 Johnstown Apartment D.

Arrested as a result of the investigation were:

Eric Srack 42, of 812 E. Cloud.
Jerith Srack 22 of 1015 Johnstown Apt D
Gary Miller 40 of 701 Bishop
Richard Burge 22 of 545 S Phillips
Karissa Burge 20 of 545 S Phillips
Amber Craig 19 of 1015 Johnstown Apt D
Sheldon Freeman 20 of 201 Walnut in Smolan
Steven Schneider 22 of 400 1/2 East Iron
Jacob Lee Hargus 18 of 5173 N Donmeyer Road

Lt. Norton says there has been an increase of overdose cases of “potpurri” in the hospital emergency room. Norton says this will put a significant dent in the distribution of “potpourri” in the Salina area, and more arrest are expected as a result of this investigation.