Evergreen Reporter

Three internet domains were seized, and ten individuals were arrested in a drug distribution scheme targeting prisons, as announced by Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

The domains HerbalIncenseUSA.com, Herbal-Biz.com, and Herbal-Empire.com were seized on March 6, 2025. These websites allegedly sold synthetic cannabinoids, known as "K2" or "Spice," disguised as legal mail to smuggle drugs into correctional facilities with the help of corrupt guards. This substance has been linked to multiple prisoner overdoses nationwide. A single sheet of paper soaked in "K2" reportedly sells for about $1,000 inside prisons.

The investigation revealed these sites as primary suppliers of "K2," shipping thousands of parcels annually to the Eastern District of Texas and tens of thousands across the country. The websites generated millions in revenue each year.

Arrested individuals include Rana Alrichani from San Jose, CA; Taleen Gabriel Zakarian from Glendale, CA; Daniela Inman from Anaheim, CA; Ioana Harhoiu from Irvine, CA; Ziad Tohme from Burbank, CA; Gabriel Raad and Daisy Chalfoun from Land O’Lakes, FL; Luisa Shahinyan from North Hills, CA; Harout Payaslyan from Valley Village, CA; and Manuk Payaslyan from Los Angeles, CA.

This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. It involves various agencies including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigations, DEA and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

It is important to note that a federal indictment does not imply guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.