Homeland Security Arrest Kent Pair Accused of Smuggling 'Spice' From China

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Portage County Drug Task Force arrested two people, formerly from Kent, who are accused of operating an international drug smuggling operation. 

Ryan M. Kralik, 32, formerly of 7699 Kent Rd., was arrested at his home, which is now in Newton Falls. Ruth C. Eimers, 36, formerly of 339 1/2 Harris St. in Kent, was also arrested. 

Police said Kralik was receiving bath salts from China and was distributing them over a website he set up called "Freshsalts."

Kralik and Eimers both face a multi-count federal indictment for violating federal drug laws. Kralik and Eimers will face a federal judge for their initial appearance in Federal Court.

The arrests come from an investigation that began in February with the execution of Federal search warrants at Twilight Boutique at 9334 S.R. 43 in Streetsboro and Twilight Boutique at 2872 Whipple Ave. in Plain Township where a large amount of "spice" was taken by DEA and Portage County Drug Task Agents. 

This all started a federal narcotic investigation resulting in Wednesday's arrests of Kralik and Eimers. The U. S. Department of Homeland Security, armed with a federal search warrant, searched Kralik’s home on Feb. 6. Authorities said packaging materials were recovered that were used to ship bath salts.