TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa Police say they’ve made the largest spice bust in agency history and they want parents to know what spice packaging looks like because the drug is popular with kids.

Detectives seized more than 20,000 packages of spice and an additional 250 to 300 pounds of the drug that was not in packages.

They estimate the value of the seizure at more than $500,000.

“To come across such a large amount, we are convinced we are a major player in this and we think the amount of seizure of this size is going to affect what’s going on out there,” said Assistant Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan.

Dugan says he wants parents to be aware of what the packages look like, because the drug is commonly used by high school and college students.

“It’s a very cheap, inexpensive quick high but we have seen some severe, adverse reactions that have led to serious injures and to death,’ said Dugan.

Dugan says his agency has seen a large increase in use of the drug since March.

He says Tampa Fire Rescue is now responding to 150 calls a month that are related to spice.

It’s very dangerous. The problem you have with it is, you don’t know how you’re going to react to it,” said Dugan.WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON RIGHT NOW: