Drug Task Force investigates “vape shops,” uncovers over 100lbs of marijuana

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Three Bowling Green businesses were investigated for illegal activities.

The Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force says it worked with the Bowling Green Police Department, Kentucky State Police, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office to investigate complaints made by parents and concerned citizens about product sales to minors as young as 13.

Task Force Director Tommy Loving says detectives made purchases from Smoke & Vape, Smoke & Vape Superstore, and Smoke Department, all located in Bowling Green, two months ago.

Loving says the plant material purchased was tested by the Kentucky State Police Laboratory and determined to be marijuana. The material was sent to a specialized laboratory to quantify its THC content. Loving says the plant materials tested between 18.1% and 29.8% THC.

According to state law KRS260 and federal law 7 USC 1639, the legal percentage for products cannot exceed .3% THC.

BGWC Drug Task Force presented the findings to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and search warrants were issued for the stores.

Three warrants were served simultaneously at 9 am on Tuesday.

Approximately 60 pounds of marijuana and 15,600 rolled marijuana “blunts” were seized at Smoke & Vape.

Approximately 54 pounds of marijuana and 5,400 rolled marijuana “blunts” were seized at Smoke & Vape Superstore.

2 pounds of marijuana and a handgun were seized at Smoke Department.

Loving says the investigation is being turned over to the Commonwealth Attorney for presentation to the Warren County Grand Jury.

Samples seized on Tuesday will be tested for THC content.

The investigation is ongoing.