Man who supplied synthetic marijuana to Bakersfield trafficker sentenced

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A man who supplied synthetic drugs to a Bakersfield trafficker has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

Officials say 55-year-old Hatham Eid Habash (Eddie Habash) supplied synthetic drugs to wholesale internet drug traffickers including his co-defendant 51-year-old Majed Bashir Akroush who allegedly goes by "Magic Mike" in Bakersfield.

In 2015, Habash manufactured smokeable synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as “spice,” from raw chemicals he obtained from Chinese suppliers. Officials say Habash would then dilute them with a solvent before mixing them with flavoring to add to dried plant material.

According to court documents, Habash would sell this product online under the brand names "Bizarro" and his own special blend, "Mr. High."

Akroush would also sell Habash's product under the business names Magic Mans Wholesale , Blue Whale Whole Sale, and World of Incense.

On Monday, Habash was sentenced to five years and three months in prison and has also been ordered to turn over $193,000 in proceeds he earned from drug trafficking.

Akroush has been charged with drug conspiracy and two substantive drug offenses which carry a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. His case is still pending.