Repeat Offender Caught: Kyle Police Nab Suspect with 14 Pounds of Psychedelic Drugs

Kyle police have arrested a 38-year-old man on new charges after discovering approximately 14 pounds of what they describe as “psychedelic drugs.” Erich Spannhake, a resident of Kyle, now faces multiple charges, including drug possession, evading arrest, and resisting arrest.

This marks Spannhake’s second run-in with law enforcement this year. In April, he was arrested in a separate drug case, where substances later identified by a forensic lab as testosterone and Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) were seized. According to police, the evidence from that case played a key role in filing new charges against Spannhake.

Kyle Police Chief Dr. Jeff Barnett emphasized the department’s commitment to tackling drug-related crimes, saying in a statement:

1“This arrest highlights our continuous commitment to remove these dangerous drugs from our community.”

Authorities allege Spannhake attempted to evade and resist arrest during his latest encounter with law enforcement on Dec. 6. This behavior, paired with his history of drug-related offenses, has raised concerns about repeat offenders and the potential risks they pose to local communities.

DMT, a powerful hallucinogenic drug classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, is known for its intense and short-lived psychedelic effects. Possession of such substances is illegal under both state and federal law, reflecting their classification as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

The arrest highlights Kyle Police Department’s ongoing efforts to crack down on drug activity in the area. By removing such a significant quantity of DMT from circulation, law enforcement aims to reduce the availability of potentially dangerous substances in the community.

Local residents have expressed both support for the department’s actions and concerns about the persistence of drug trafficking in smaller towns like Kyle. Spannhake’s arrest underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing the spread of illegal substances while holding repeat offenders accountable.

Should penalties for repeat drug offenders be increased to deter future crimes?