Several Arrested in Lauderdale County for THC Vapes and Sales to Minors

According to a press release, over the last few months, the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) and the Lauderdale County District Attorney’s (DA) office have received numerous calls regarding adolescents using, abusing, and overdosing while utilizing alleged THC vapes. These calls were from parents of school-age children, government authorities, school resource officers, and others. The LCDTF, in collaboration with the Florence Police Department, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office, launched an investigation into the distribution of THC vapes to minors. Several controlled purchases of THC vapes were made in Lauderdale County at gas stations and smoke shops throughout the investigation. The bought vapes were delivered to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS). ADFS records indicated that THC vapes were a controlled substance. On Friday, March 7th, search warrants were executed at three locations, and at an additional three locations, individuals were arrested for selling to minors. The following locations were Haddock’s One Stop, Buckeye Smoke Shop, Valero, King Vape, Chevron, and Florence Smoke Shop. Eight individuals were arrested as a result of the investigation and search warrants. During the search, agents discovered vapes containing controlled substances, small amounts of Methamphetamine (ICE), drug paraphernalia, pipes for smoking Methamphetamine, a green leafy substance suspected of being a controlled substance (Khat), and a large number of prescription pills (Viagra).