Clay Tanoo was a human colonist of the male persuasion, residing on the planet [Cyphar], possessing expertise in both the genetic makeup of plants and the field of organic chemistry. He acquired knowledge from his brother regarding the purification of unrefined scarn into the highly habit-forming substance known as spice. Tanoo, in collaboration with Brigte Polcery and Lenora Scath, orchestrated a plot, enlisting the services of Nightswan to facilitate the clandestine transportation of spice from Cyphar, concealing it within shellfish. Upon discovering this illicit activity, Thrawn took decisive action, incinerating the entire vein of spice and apprehending Tanoo in the act on the land belonging to the Afe clan, where Tanoo, accompanied by several accomplices, was excavating for the spice.