Columbia man charged with making K2

A Columbia man was charged Thursday for allegedly manufacturing synthetic marijuana, K2.

According to court documents, police found 90 grams of K2 in Michael McTye’s business, Stylez N Etc. LLC, which is located on Old Highway 63, after getting tips saying the drug could be purchased at the business. Police said they saw McTye in what appeared to be a drug sale before they raided the business.

Police also searched McTye’s residence on Wyatt Lane where they found another gallon-sized baggie of K2, according to court documents.

McTye admitted to selling the product as well as mixing it with a plant material he bought from Clovers Natural Market, the court documents said. Police said they found bags of damiana leaf, a shrub sometimes used as a home remedy, in McTye’s basement. Authorities also found acetone and two large tins with plant and chemical residue, police said.

The Columbia Police Department has responded to more than 20 K2-related calls since Nov. 1.

McTye was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of manufacturing and distributing synthetic cannabinoids. Columbia police partnered with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department to search two businesses and a residence in the county.

McTye is charged with manufacturing a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance and is being held in the Boone County Jail.

Federal authorities also found K2 during a raid Wednesday morning in the 2800 block of South Providence Road, according to documents filed in a separate federal case. Bilal H. Hill, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, but in a criminal complaint an ATF officer said the raid of Hill’s apartment also turned up about 7 grams of synthetic marijuana, electronic scales and marijuana edibles.

Officers also found two handguns, the complaint said. Hill told officers he smoked about $100 in K2 per day.

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