Stanly County vape shops targeted in sting
Stanly County authorities raided 17 vape shops accused of selling illegal marijuana products to minors.Summary
The Stanly County Sheriff's Office led a sting operation targeting 17 vape shops accused of selling illegal marijuana products to minors. The operation, headed by Lt. Trent Middlebrook, was launched in response to the large number of vaping devices confiscated from students in local schools—hundreds per year—which testing revealed to be 100% marijuana. Undercover officers conducted controlled buys at all 17 establishments, and subsequent testing showed chemical concentrations matching street-level marijuana, not legal hemp, with THC levels exceeding the legal 0.3% limit. Sheriff Jeff Crisco stated that all tested products were illegal marijuana. One shop, Uwharrie Kush, issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to lawful practices and product safety. Evidence was collected and transported to the agency's command center for processing. North Carolina law requires customers to be at least 21 to purchase vape products, and marijuana remains illegal; starting in December, most hemp-derived THC products will also be banned.
(Source：Wsoc-tv)
