Criminals Dealing ‘Spice’ Arrested in North Florida Drug Trafficking Bust

Criminals dealing in “spice” were arrested in a North Florida drug trafficking bust.



The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested five individuals in connection to a drug trafficking organization (DTO) selling “Spice,” an artificial drug to simulate the effects of THC.

The investigation began in December 2020 in reference to a larger narcotics investigation from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Through undercover investigations, agents identified 44-year-old Kendrick Johnson as an active supplier in the drug trafficking organization.

FDLE Pensacola agents and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a search warrant at Johnson’s residence. Agents recovered approximately one pound of Spice, 19 pounds of chemical powder used to create synthetic cannabis, three (3) firearms, and $36,845.97 U.S currency. Johnson was placed under arrest for charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering, trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice), and the unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Through additional investigation, four additional suspects were charged and arrested in connection to the spice trafficking ring:

• 28-year-old Kaitlynn Parks:
  • Charges: Conspiracy to commit racketeering; trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice); possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, and/or deliver; unlawful use of a two-way communication device
• 29-year-old James Richardson III:
  • Charges: Conspiracy to commit racketeering; trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice); possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, and/or deliver; unlawful use of a two-way communication device
• 45-year-old Candace Clayberger:
  • Charges: Conspiracy to commit racketeering; trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice); possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, and/or deliver; unlawful use of a two-way communication device
• 37-year-old Adam Clayberger:
  • Charges: Conspiracy to commit racketeering; trafficking synthetic cannabinoids (spice); possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, and/or deliver; unlawful use of a two-way communication device, tampering with evidence

The suspects were taken into custody at the Escambia County Jail. The North Florida case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, First Judicial Circuit.

This investigation is still active according to law enforcement.