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Michael Young, 48, of Bridgeport, has been sentenced to six years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after admitting to importing, manufacturing and distributing synthetic cannabinoids.
In August last year, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified a suspicious package that was shipped from a California business that marketed and sold herbal products for smoking to Young’s Bridgeport residence.
A search of the package revealed a leafy plant-like substance commonly used as a base to absorb synthetic drugs dissolved in liquid form. During the investigation, investigators learned of Young’s previous conviction and that two international shipments containing synthetic drugs destined for Young’s residence had been seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in November 2016 and July last year.
On Aug. 21 last year, investigators searched Young’s residence, where more than a kilogram of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinone, approximately 21 grams of Phencyclidine (PCP) in liquid form, drug packaging materials and $1,700 in cash was seized.
He was arrested on the day of the search and seizure.
Following his arrest, Young admitted to investigators that he had purchased the drugs online, including from suppliers in China, and that he produced and sold “K2,” which is a street name for synthetic cannabinoid.
U.S. Attorney John Durham noted that some of Young’s customers resided outside Connecticut and found his product by viewing his advertisements on Craigslist.
Young has been detained since his arrest. On May 30, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
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