(WDNews) On Monday, June 23, law enforcement officers in Alabama conducted a comprehensive multi-agency investigation against CBD and vape shops accused of selling marijuana products unlawfully in violation of state law.
Multiple search warrants were carried out around the state by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (ALEA SBI), and judicial circuit district attorneys from the 12th and 19th Circuits. The operation, which ALEA said came after a year-long investigation, was aided by local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and federal partners including the FBI.
Shops in Six Cities Were Targeted
Around ten in the morning, search warrants were carried out at stores in the following cities:
Troy: Three shops in the US Highway 231 1000 block
Enterprise: Sites on the 1000 block of Rucker Boulevard and the 600 and 1000 blocks of Boll Weevil Circle
Clanton: Shops in 7th Street’s 500 and 2000 blocks
Wetumpka: A single shop in the US Highway 231 4000 block
Montgomery: One shop in the Atlanta Highway 6000 block
The establishments were suspected of selling plant-based products that included prohibited amounts of Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, according to ALEA. Only hemp-derived goods with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are permitted for sale in Alabama. Any amount over that is unlawful marijuana, even if it is sold as hemp or CBD.
Investigation Started by Controlled Purchases and Public Complaints
Shawn Loughridge, the Major Crimes Chief at ALEA SBI, stated that the operation, which includes several controlled purchases to check the THC content of the products being sold, was motivated by public concerns.
After receiving numerous complaints from citizens, agents and cops carried out a number of controlled buys during this investigation, according to Loughridge. These complaints included vape businesses and CBD specialized retailers that were allegedly breaking Alabama’s marijuana laws.
According to the inquiry, certain goods were being marketed as candy, gummies, snacks, or other well-known foods that kids, in particular, may readily confuse for safe products. The public health issue was underlined by ALEA Director Chris Inabinett, who pointed out that these things could make it difficult to drive or even result in an unintentional drug test failure.
Evidence Found, No Arrests Made
ALEA reported that significant quantities of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and other illicit things were recovered, but no arrests have been made as of yet. The inquiry is still ongoing.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor stated that the goal of this operation is to safeguard our neighborhoods. It exemplifies the kind of concerted effort that is necessary to combat intricate criminal behavior.
Parents Are Warned by the Press Conference
Parents were warned to remain vigilant by ALEA and state officials during a joint press conference on Friday, June 27. They claimed that some THC-containing goods are purposefully promoted to resemble candies or everyday snacks, putting kids at greater risk.
SBI Director Chris Inabinett, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, and District Attorney James Tarbox stressed that the search warrants were filed in response to community complaints, not to penalize businesses, but to protect the public.
According to Inabinett, we encourage parents to be mindful of the things their kids are exposed to.
Governor Ivey is praised for his assistance.
Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama lawmakers were thanked by ALEA leadership for their financial and policy support of law enforcement initiatives.
According to Secretary Taylor, these situations don’t come together overnight. They call for commitment, perseverance, and close interagency collaboration.
As the inquiry progresses, further updates are anticipated.
