Three internet domains have been seized, and 10 individuals arrested in a scheme to provide drugs in prison, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
The internet domain name HerbalIncenseUSA.com and two related domains, Herbal-Biz.com and Herbal-Empire.com, were seized on March 6, 2025, following an investigation into drug distribution over the internet and through the U.S. Mail.
According to information provided in court, the three websites are alleged to have sold a variety of controlled substances, including synthetic cannabinoids, aka “K2” or “Spice”, specifically marketed as fictitious legal mail for the express purpose of smuggling the drugs into prisons and correctional facilities through the U.S. Mail and with the assistance of corrupt guards.
“K2” supplied by the sites was responsible for multiple overdoses of prisoners being held on pre-trial detention in the Eastern District of Texas and throughout the country. A sheet of paper soaked in the drug sells for approximately $1,000 within a prison.
“K2” distribution is difficult for correctional facilities to detect, as there are no reliable presumptive drug test kits that identify the drug.
The investigation identified the three websites as being the primary supplier of “K2,” shipping thousands of drug parcels to the Eastern District of Texas and tens of thousands being shipped nationwide yearly. Gross revenue from the websites was in the millions of dollars each year.
Those arrested and named in two separate federal indictments in the Eastern District of Texas are Rana Alrichani, 46, of San Jose, CA; Taleen Gabriel Zakarian, 36, of Glendale, CA; Daniela Inman, 58, of Anaheim, CA; Ioana Harhoiu, 35, of Irvine, CA; Ziad Tohme, 48, of Burbank, CA; Gabriel Raad, 50, of Land O’Lakes, FL; Daisy Chalfoun, 40, of Land O’Lakes, FL; Luisa Shahinyan, 33, of North Hills, CA; Harout Payaslyan, 36, of Valley Village, CA; and Manuk Payaslyan, 40, of Los Angeles, CA.
