Local Man Convicted of Possessing Kush

HOUSTON – A 53-year-old Houston man has admitted he possessed 2.57 lbs of synthetic cannabinoids aka “kush” and to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Authorities conducted surveillance at Jeffery Alan Foster’s residence on Truxillo Street after he had sold several batches of the illegal substances. The investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at that location July 10, 2018. Foster had left this residence, but authorities stopped him for traffic violations, after which he agreed to return to his home.

During the search, law enforcement found synthetic cannabinoids and more than $800 in a backpack. They also found computers, cell phones, a digital scale $4,232, two boxes of ammunition, two firearms as well as a black fire safe containing four large bags of loose kush which  totaled 1166.06 grams (2.57 pounds).

Foster admitted he possessed and had been distributing synthetic cannabinoids for human consumption for approximately seven years. He further acknowledged he knew it was illegal to do so.

Foster has prior convictions of cocaine possession and theft. As a convicted felon, Foster is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Dec. 5, 2019. At that time, Foster faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine for the drug conviction and a maximum of 10 years and a $250,000 possible fine for the firearms conviction.

Foster was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Porto prosecuted the case.