AUSTIN, Texas – A man is in custody after police seized two shipments of K2, or synthetic cannabinoid powder, en route from China to Austin.

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Austin police received a tip from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that two packages were intercepted before it reached the city. Each of the parcels contained one kilogram of K2.

The sting operation by the U.S. Postal Inspector, Drug Enforcement Agency’s Tactical Division Squad, and Homeland Security tracked down the suspect.

Keith Nunley, 51, was arrested without incident. He has been charged in a federal court and is being held by the U.S. Marshals.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, synthetic cannabinoids are human-made chemicals that can be smoked or vaporized. The substance got its name from the similarity between chemicals found in marijuana. However, K2 it is more powerful, dangerous and can be life-threatening.  

Eliminating K2 from Austin streets have been a focus of city leaders within the past year with resources being used to better patrol downtown areas.