A major raid has busted a massive synthetic drug ring distributing bath salts, authorities in Volusia County said Thursday.
As many as eight different locations were raided at 10 a.m. as part of a nationwide sting called "Operation Tinker Bell."
Several people were taken into custody at LAD Enterprises, a business operating in a small shopping center off Old Dixie Freeway, in New Smyrna Beach. Investigators said the company was one of several involved in marketing, manufacturing and distributing synthetic drugs, primarily K-2 and bath salts.
One woman taken into custody, Loraine Kennely, said she didn't know why she was being arrested.
SAUL SAENZ: Did you know that bath salts are being sold out of here?
LORAINE KENNELY: No, they're not.
SS: Why were you arrested?
KENNELY: I don't know yet.
SS: They haven't charged you with anything?
KENNELY: No.
SS: They haven't read you your rights, or anything like that?
KENNELY: No.
SS: Then you're as surprised as everyone else.
KENNELY: Yes.
Cameras from our Volusia Newsroom were there as the raid went down at what investigators said was the main distribution hub, where the drugs were shipped to points beyond.
The bust in New Smyrna Beach was a joint operation between the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other local police departments.
Florida state Attorney Pam Bondi was expected to hold a news conference later Thursday with additional details.