Fugitive Sentenced In Absentia To More Than Eight Years For Dealing In Synthetic Cannabinoids

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced Imad Rawhi Al-Qattawi (47, Ramallah, Palestine) in absentia to eight years and one month in federal prison for distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute UR-144, a synthetic cannabinoid.  Synthetic cannabinoids are a group of drugs that are often marketed by such names as “K2” and “Spice.”  Al-Qattawi pleaded guilty on October 29, 2015, but later failed to appear at his sentencing hearing on January 13, 2016.

According to court documents, Al-Qattawi was a manufacturer and dealer of “Bizarro,” a brand of synthetic cannabinoid containing UR-144.  During the investigation, agents purchased more thanb 5 kilograms of “Bizarro” from Al-Qattawi over a series of transactions.  When Al-Qattawi was arrested, agents found over 5 additional kilograms of “Bizarro” in his van belonging.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent S. Chiu.