SAN DIEGO (CBS 8/CNS) - An investigation was underway Monday into the source of a bad batch of a banned synthetic drug called "Spice," which was suspected in more than a dozen overdoses in the East Village, Gaslamp District and Little Italy within an afternoon.
San Diego police issued a warning to anyone who may have purchased the synthetic cannabinoid compounds that the type that sickened 13 teens and adults, including a 13-year-old, on Sunday was sold on downtown streets in a black package with blue dragons on the side.
Police and firefighters responded to multiple calls reporting symptoms including convulsions, vomiting and "extremely odd behavior" in those who had smoked the Spice, according to police and fire officials.
Throughout the afternoon, 13 people ranging in ages from 13 to 45 were taken to hospitals, according to Capt. Joseph Amador of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Selling synthetic cannabinoid compounds like Spice has been illegal in California since 2012.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male between 20 and 30 years old. He was riding a mountain bike and carrying a black and gray backpack.
San Diego police Lt. Scott Wahl said investigators were working to track down other victims and witnesses. Anyone with information on the drug or its makers was asked to call police at (619) 531-2000.