Dozens of people and several businesses suspected of illegally selling vaping products to underage customers were targeted by Martin County deputies over the past weekend.
The sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post that the raid was “in response to growing concerns from parents about minors’ access to vaping products.” Doctors warn about the dangers of vaping.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Smoke Signals,” resulted in the arrest of more than 27 people across over 20 retail stores.
“In some cases, multiple employees from the same establishment were arrested during this controlled operation, highlighting a systemic disregard for state regulations,” the Facebook post stated.
In its Facebook post, the sheriff’s office did not release the names of those arrested or the businesses targeted.
Investigators said one seller was suspected of selling more than just vaping products, leading to the discovery of several illegal substances that resulted in their arrest.
Among the items recovered were:
- 140 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
- 36 chocolate bars containing psilocybin mushrooms
- 7 packages of psilocybin mushroom gummies
- 2 containers of psilocybin syrup
- 6 psilocybin pills
- 1 “magic extract” of psilocybin
The sheriff’s office stated that the operation was not only aimed at holding businesses accountable for selling to minors but also served as an awareness campaign for parents and the community about the dangers of vaping and drug use among youth.
The agency indicated it will continue monitoring local retailers while working to prevent minors’ illegal access to vaping products.
Image: Wflx
