As a result of Operation Log Jam, over 90 arrests made nationwide

Operation Log Jam, the first-ever nationwide action taken against synthetic drugs.

The DEA had over 265 warrants out in 90 cities, cracking down on area head shops and manufacturing companies.

Here at home, it's believed that Utica's Tebb's Head Shop was one of the various stores raided in Central New York.

The Drug Enforcement Administration says this is the first of many strikes against drug criminals.

As a result of Operation Log Jam, more than 90 arrests have been made and more than five million packets of synthetic drugs were seized.

In a press conference Thursday, the DEA administrator said Operation Log Jam allowed them to identify a large number of additional substances that are not specifically controlled or illegal.

But, the DEA says that doesn't mean they'll turn a blind eye to these dangerous substances.

"Using the Analog Enforcement Act the DEA can and will pursue those who skirt the letter of the law by tweaking a molecule or changing a chemical formula," said Michele Leonhart, the DEA Administrator.

The operation stems from federal legislation recently passed banning multiple chemicals used to manufacture synthetic drugs.

On Wednesday Utica police, as well as, other law enforcement officials could be seen inside Tebb's Head Shop on Genesee Street conducting what appeared to be an illegal substance raid.

Eyewitness News spoke with various community members and they say this is a step in the right direction for Central New York and the country.

 "It will continue to be a problem. It's a war. It's a battle against drugs," said Ron Mancuso of New Hartford.

Mancuso, a former principal at Proctor High School says teens and young adults seem like the ones most affected. "Education is the most important thing to do for our people to let them know the dangers involved in drug usage," said Mancuso.

As a result of Operation Log Jam, the DEA says it also seized $36 million in cash and more than fifty weapons.