Officials announce 'major' Kush bust in Houston

HOUSTON –  

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo and other city officials have announced that a major Kush bust took place Thursday night, resulting in more than 300 pounds of the drug being taken off the streets.

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During a press conference Friday, Turner insisted the city is not going to use its resources to go after the low-level consumer. They will use the resources to go after distributors instead.

Turner said the city has made a significant impact on the problem, which was first attacked in June.

More than 200 arrests have been made since the city made a concerted effort to control the problem.

On Thursday night, thanks to an undercover operation, Houston police arrested a major player in Kush distribution.

The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 300 pounds of Kush, which is more than 14,000 packages, equivalent to about 84,000 doses and has a street value estimated at $2.2 million.

PHOTOS: Major Kush bust in Houston

To put the bust into perspective, before last night, HPD had confiscated 600 pounds of the drug in total.

Turner said he believes Thursday's seizure will save thousands of emergency medical services calls.

In September, there were 187 reported cases of Kush overdoses and issues. There were 97 such cases reported in October and 78 reported in November, so the city believes their efforts are making an impact.

WATCH: Kush bust press conference with Mayor Turner and Chief Acevedo

Acevedo said there would be no mug shot released of the suspect arrested Thursday because this is an ongoing investigation and the department is still deciding what charges to pursue against the suspect.

Acevedo also pledged to cast a wide net and find those responsible for crimes in the area.

"We will continue to focus on the worst of the worst and we will deliver results," Acevedo said.

 

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