DaytonDailyNews.com

WILMINGTON — Customs agents at the DHL airline hub have seized more than 100 pounds of herbal incense found to contain a powerful, synthetic version of the active ingredient in marijuana, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office said Thursday, Jan. 15.

On Nov. 20, customs officers and agriculture specialists examined two arriving shipments from the Czech Republic that were labeled "herbal incense."

One carton contained numerous pouches labeled "Space Diamond" and "Spice Artic Energy." One package said: "Enjoy Genie blend! Release the magic of the enchanting potpourri aroma." The material is labeled as not for sale in the U.S.

It's the first time customs agents have found this product in the Midwest. As yet, there have been no arrests, said spokesman Brett Sturgeon.

Tests for THC — the active ingredient in marijuana — proved negative. Additional tests, however, showed the packets contained a synthetic drug called HU-210, which is 100 to 800 times more potent than natural THC.

Five shipments containing more than 100 pounds HU-210 have been seized so far, with the latest seizure occurring Tuesday. The narcotic was headed for a residence in Florida.

"This very unique discovery of the narcotic, HU-210, is possibly the first of its kind for CBP," said David Murphy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations in Chicago. "I would like to commend the fine work that the CBP field operations officers and agriculture specialist displayed by detecting and eventually confirming the presence of a Schedule I controlled substance."