Jurors listen to recording of Evansdale woman selling synthetic drugs

Jurors heard an audio recording Tuesday of a controlled buy where Mary Ramos met a woman in Waterloo to sell her synthetic drugs known as "Mr. Happy" and "a jar" - bath salts in 2013.

Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement Special Agent John Austin testified a confidential informant targeting Ramos, asked her to "take care" of her and met her for the substances June 19, 2013. The informant had a hidden recorder and transmitter for the $75 transaction.

Ramos, 52, of Evansdale is charged in U.S. District Court with distribution of a controlled substance XLR-11, distribution of a controlled substance analogue Alpha-PVP, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance XLR-11, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue Alpha-PVP and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, according to a criminal complaint.

Ramos, who managed an I-Wireless store, 1551 First Ave SE, in Cedar Rapids, is accused of knowingly distributing and possessing XLR11, commonly known synthetic marijuana or K2, according to a criminal complaint. The incidents occurred May 28, June 19 and June 26, 2013.

The government rested Tuesday and the defense will start its case Wednesday and Ramos is expected to take the stand. 

'Follow the trial on Twitter using #k2trial from @tmehaffey.

Ramos picked up the informant at a convenience store in Waterloo June 19, 2013 because she didn't have a car, according to the recording played in court. Ramos picked up the woman and then gave her another ride to another convenience and dropped her off after selling her the synthetic drugs. 

The prosecution, as part of its case, claims Ramos operated like a drug trafficker or dealer distributing and selling the drugs outside of the I wireless store, after hours. This controlled buy occured at 9:50 p.m. that day.   

Austin said he was also involved with controlled buys conducted at the Five Star Snacks store in Waterloo, which was manged by Ramos' son, Earl "E.J." Ramos, who pleaded guilty two weeks ago to distributing synthetic drugs. During those buys he also sold "Blue" or bath salts.

In other testimony, Cassandra Prioleau, a Drug Enforcement Agency drug science specialist out of Maryland, testified regarding how synthetic drugs have a stimulant effect on the central nervous system, similar to controlled substances like cocaine and amphetamines. The stimulant effect gives a feeling of euphoria, provides increased energy, can suppress appetite and can increase heart rate and blood pressure. In chronic use, the synthetics can cause paranoia, delusions and psychosis.

Prioleau said the core chemical structure of synthetic drugs are similar to Schedule I and II controlled substances.

Jaclyn Iera, a DEA chemist from Chicago, testified all the packages seized from the I-wireless store and Ramo's home and vehicle contained XLR-11, a controlled substance, or Alpha PVP, a controlled substance analogue. The packages tested were various synthetic drugs commonly known as "Mr. Happy," "Mr. Nice Guy," "Insane," "Blue," "LOL" and "Hydro." The total amount from each brand varied in weight. Some were 10.2 grams, 626.5 grams, 6.4 grams, 388.6 grams and 1,973 grams.

Iera said about 90 percent of the bulk items contained XLR-11.

A confidential informant from Waterloo, also a former drug user, testified about the effects of synthetic drugs. He said in the past he snorted or smoked "Blue" on a regular basis, along with cocaine and methamphetamine. He said the bath salts gave him the same high as cocaine and meth.

The informant helped police with controlled buys targeting Earl Ramos between December 2013 and March 2014. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Chatham asked him if he ever used the bath salts in his bath water or to clean anything.

The informant said no.

Mike Lahammer, Ramos' attorney, asked if he knew Mary Ramos.

The informant said he didn't know her.