Columbia man smuggles K2 from China labeled as incense

A Columbia man pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to his role in a conspiracy to smuggle chemicals into the United States from the People’s Republic of China, which were used to manufacture synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2.

Wesley Adam Upchurch, 30, of Columbia, admitted that he bought various synthetic cannabinoids in powder form from China between March 1, 2011, to March 27, 2014.

According to the official release, the packages containing imported chemicals had misleading labeling, including manifests or declarations, regarding the contents. These chemicals were combined with other ingredients, such as generic potpourri, then packaged and sold at different retail outlets.

Upchurch admitted that he wire transferred a total of $250,500 to vendors in China as payment for the illegal shipments. He is among 18 defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case, four of whom have been sentenced.

Upchurch could face up to five years in federal prison without parole.