IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A month-long investigation in Iredell County resulted in search warrants served at a group of smoke and vape shops in the area.
On Tuesday, the Iredell County Sheriff's Office said it searched seven shops on Friday, July 10. Investigators said they had evidence the shops were selling products labeled as hemp or CBD that had THC levels higher than that allowed by state law. Further, investigators said they got complaints that the shops were selling the items to school-aged children.
The sheriff's office said investigators made undercover purchases of suspected marijuana, sold as hemp or CBD flower. Initial testing confirmed they had THC levels higher than legally allowed. Further products bought undercover were found to have THC levels up to five times the legal limit.
PHOTOS: Counterfeit items, marijuana seized by deputies from Iredell County smoke shops
"The individuals involved in these activities are targeting our children," said Sheriff Darren Campbell in a statement. “No matter where you are in the county, we will relentlessly enforce the law to protect our community."
During the searches, the sheriff's office said special agents with the North Carolina Secretary of State's Office - specifically under the Trademark Enforcement Division - seized about 20 pounds of marijuana products and 664 pieces of counterfeit merchandise.
The investigation is still ongoing.
The following shops were the subject of the search warrants:
- De Javu Vape Shop on Wilkesboro Highway
- 88 Tobacco and Vape on Davie Avenue
- Tobacco and Vape on Wilkesboro Highway
- EZ Path Smoke Shop on Davie Avenue
- Discount Tobacco Shop on East Broad Street
- The REC on Newton Drive in Statesville
- Jimmy's EZ Pass 1 Stop on West Front Street