Lincoln Police say they began investigating several local smoke and vape shops earlier this year. Public Information Office Manager Erika Thomas says the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics task Force served search warrants on five businesses on August 7.
“Investigators seized items associated with sales, including plant materials, edibles, paraphernalia and financial records.” She says the investigation began earlier this year based on product advertisements brought to LPD’s attention by Lincoln citizens.
She says spot checks were done on ten smoke and vape shops in January, February and March. “Based on lab testing, five were determined to be selling statutorily prohibited substances, “Thomas says. Investigators followed up with further checks in June and found similar results before filing search warrants earlier this month.
The five shops suspected of selling illegal substances are:
The Cannabis Factory, 122 S. Antelope Parkway
50 Shades of Green, 330 N. 48th Street
50 Shades of Green, 1903 O Street
50 Shades of Green, 1020 South Street
Kind Life Dispensary, 2525 Pine Lake Road
The compliance checks are similar to those done at businesses that sell alcohol and cigarettes. The stores remain open and no arrests have been made at this point. There are at least 75 smoke/vape shops in Lincoln and Thomas says it’s quite possible others will get a visit and additional checks completed.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000. If you want remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.