Union County Sheriff Office Announces Massive Investigation Into THC Shops
This week, the Union County Sheriff Office announced that it was leading a multi-agency investigation over the past several weeks investigation THC retailers throughout Union County. The assisting agencies include the Monroe Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina Secretary of State Office.
“The Union County Sheriff’s Office initiated and led this investigation because it is critical that THC retailers operate within the boundaries of North Carolina law. Our foremost priority is the safety of our community, especially our children. Products packaged to look like candy and marketed in a way that clearly appeals to minors are unacceptable, said Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey. “We will continue working alongside our local and state partners to ensure illegal drugs are removed from our communities and that businesses follow the law. The safety of Union County families will always come first.”
During the investigation, law enforcement found multiple retailers selling THC edible products packaged in “look-a-like” candy branding designed to mimic popular children’s candies. In addition to the potential copy right violations, investigators expressed deep concerns marketing targeted at children.
While certain hemp-derived THC products are legal in North Carolina under specific state regulations, marijuana remains illegal throughout North Carolina. The investigation uncovered one store where the owner was allegedly selling medical-grade marijuana while marketing the product as “THC.” Additionally, investigators identified certain retailers selling Schedule II controlled substance commonly known as “Za Za” or “gas station heroin.” The synthetic opioid is illegal in North Carolina and distribution is a serious crime.
In total, investigators conducted compliance checks at 21 THC retailers across Union County. As a result of the operation, authorities seized:
Over 2.5 kilograms of “gas station heroin”
More than 10 pounds of suspected marijuana, with THC levels surpassing state requirements
An estimated $100,000.00 worth of counterfeit or copyright-infringing products
Charges are pending in several cases, and the investigation remains ongoing.
“These criminal smoke shops have essentially become neighborhood drug dealers, selling high‑potency THC products, along with contraband illegal vapes, having zero oversight and putting both adults and children at serious risk,” said the Tobacco Law Enforcement Network Executive Director Richard Marianos. “In addition to drug sales, these high value targets and public nuisance locations are engaged in trade-based money laundering, tax evasion, and firearms trafficking.”
As the Blue Ridge Times has previously reported, law enforcement continues to find illegal activity at these vape shops, and polling shows that stopping this activity is strongly supported by voters.
