The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office said a 62-year-old woman was arrested after detectives uncovered a synthetic marijuana lab inside her Owensboro home.
According to a release, detectives with the DCSO Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant Friday at a residence in the 200 block of Frayser Avenue. Deputies, along with a Kentucky State Police detective, searched the home and found evidence of an ongoing drug trafficking operation.
The sheriff’s office said investigators recovered more than 10 pounds of synthetic marijuana, suspected mushrooms, a loaded .38-caliber handgun, drug paraphernalia such as baggies and scales, and large containers of raw chemicals, including formaldehyde and acetone. Detectives believe the chemicals indicated drugs were being manufactured in the home, creating what they called a potentially hazardous situation for the occupants — including children — as well as nearby residents. All seized items were logged into evidence, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as Cynthia Wilson of the 200 block of Frayser Avenue. She was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center.
According to the release, Wilson faces charges of first-offense trafficking synthetic drugs (armed), possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia (armed), and first-degree wanton endangerment.
The release also cited warnings from public health officials, medical professionals, and poison centers about synthetic marijuana, which has been associated with tachycardia, high blood pressure, unconsciousness, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness, and tingling.
The sheriff’s office noted some effects may last even after drug use ends, and there have been reports of permanent brain damage and death linked to synthetic marijuana.
