A federal jury in Salt Lake City found Devin Michael Tew, 40, of West Jordan, Utah, guilty on May 5 of unlawful possession of drug-manufacturing paraphernalia after he sold “PoppySeed Wash” kits online designed to help customers make opiate-rich tea at home.
The case highlights the risks associated with the illegal sale and distribution of products intended to manufacture controlled substances. Authorities say Tew's actions enabled buyers across the country to extract morphine, codeine, and thebaine from unwashed poppy seeds using his kits.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Tew operated an online business through his website poppyseedwash.com from before 2018 through 2022. He marketed "PoppySeed Wash" kits containing a bottle filled with unwashed poppy seeds, instructions for use, a measuring guide, and a strainer cap. When used as directed, these items allowed customers to produce tea containing opiates. According to court documents and testimony, Tew promoted this product on social media and generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales. He admitted to federal agents that daily withdrawals from business proceeds reached up to $10,000 at times. FDA chemists confirmed in both 2020 and 2026 that samples from Tew’s product contained morphine, codeine, and thebaine.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak announced the verdict. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant United States Attorney Todd C. Bouton and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Chandler are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah enforces federal laws across all counties in Utah—including areas with national parks and Indian reservations—and maintains offices in Salt Lake City and St. George with about 85 employees including approximately 45 assistant attorneys according to the official website.
Tew’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse.
