Police, firefighters and federal agents raided seven businesses in southeast Bakersfield for selling spice or marijuana, as well as an Internet casino.

Police Sgt. Ryan Kroeker says Wednesday’s operation on South Chester Avenue and Wilson Road was launched after the community complained about a spike in crime due to spice dealers.

Officers seized more than 30 pounds of drugs and thousands in cash. City code enforcement also deemed most of the storefronts or homes uninhabitable.

Spice is synthetic marijuana that can be highly toxic.

Kelli Pierce