Lexington police say 5 stores sold illegal drugs. The stores say they were ‘violated’ by raids.
Lexington police raided five stores for allegedly selling illegal THC products; owners call the raids a violation and plan to sue.Summary
On November 5, the Lexington Police Department, aided by several law enforcement agencies, raided five businesses in Lexington, South Carolina: Essential Vapors, Kratopia, Planet Vapor, The CBD Store, and Energy Express Exxon. The raids were part of an investigation into the sale of illicit narcotics and drug paraphernalia, specifically Delta-8 THC products, which authorities claim are Schedule I controlled substances under state law. Store owners and managers, such as Virginia Gauthier of Kratopia and Christina Hunter of The CBD Store, expressed shock and outrage, describing the raids as a violation. Gauthier said officers confiscated inventory, cash, and personal devices, and she plans to sue with her attorney Seth Rose. The retailers argue that Delta-8 is legal under the Hemp Farming Act and that they were not warned. The article also explains the legal status of Delta-8, noting a 2021 Attorney General opinion and upcoming federal restrictions. Community members showed support for the stores, citing the benefits of THC products for pain and PTSD. Lisa Kehoe of Planet Vapor emphasized the stores' community involvement and compliance efforts. Gauthier criticized the raids as misguided, arguing that police should target shops selling to minors and that she would have cooperated if asked.
(Source：Charleston Post and Courier)
