NEW MEXICO/ TEXAS — Federal law enforcement agencies in The Borderland are targeting stores that sell illegal spice.
Spice is a synthetic drug that gives users a high similar to marijuana, and authorities want to keep it off the streets.
Multiple retailers in both New Mexico and Texas were raided on Wednesday as part of an on-going crack-down in the region.
Evidence was taken from the stores. The El Paso Sheriff's Office says all of the substances must be tested before they can be positively identified as "Spice".
“The Green Effect” was one of the businesses raided on Wednesday, along with "Cool Arrows 3" in east El Paso was also raided by federal agents.
Employees at “Cool Arrows 3” say investigators loaded up boxes and took products from the store for testing. No arrests were made.
Joe Saldivar owns “J & M Sportscards” next-door. He says this isn't the first time he's witnessed a raid at that location.
"Since I've been here, they've had I think three raids. This time I don't know why they raided them because they haven't had any business at all it seems like,” said Saldivar.
Saldivar says the owner of "Cross Arrows 3” is very friendly and good neighbor.
"The owner Steve, he's a real nice guy. He's come over here and introduced himself. He's a great person,” said Saldivar.
Shoppers say despite Wednesday's raid at the shopping center, it's business as usually.
"It's quiet. I mean see any people rowdy or nothing like that,” said shopper Francisco Anchondo.
Federal and local law enforcement plan to announce the results of Wednesday's multiple raids in The Borderland on Thursday.
Reader Comments