BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – Over 600 pounds of drugs were confiscated in a major multi-agency operation led by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
According to BCSO, the operation began in late summer 2024 after a child ingested gummies containing THC levels above the legal limit. This led to a series of coordinated search warrants executed on April 3.
26 vape and tobacco shops across Brunswick County were targeted in the operation. BCSO says only one of those 26 didn’t have any illegal substances. BCSO was supported by multiple local, state, and federal agencies.
BCSO says these seizures, along with warrants executed late last year, found:
- 179.42 pounds of marijuana
- 118.08 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms
- $104,056 in U.S. currency
- One firearm
- An additional 510 pounds of marijuana recovered from a distribution warehouse
Twenty people have been charged in connection to the investigation. BCSO says charges include:
- Trafficking in marijuana
- Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver (PWIMSD) marijuana
- Possession with the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Schedule VI controlled substances
- Maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substances Felony possession of marijuana
- Manufacture of marijuana
Captain Jeff Beck of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office said one of the most concerning parts of the investigation was that many of the products seemed like they were branded to attract children.
“They would look anything from like Skittles, to Nerds, to like Bubble gum, Lays potato chips, Pepsi-cola, any type of candy, even Pop Rocks,” Capt. Beck said. “They’re using eye-catching themes of our youth. And that’s the whole problem with this. They are targeting my kid, your kids, and everybody’s children out there.”
Sheriff Brian Chism issued a stark warning to vape and tobacco shop owners.
“This operation was sparked by a tragic incident involving a child who overdosed and was placed on life support after ingesting dangerous, illegally potent products being sold in our community,” said Sheriff Brian Chism. “This is a direct message to those selling illegal substances under the guise of legitimate businesses: we will not tolerate it. We will charge again, we will take again, and this will continue on as long as I’m sheriff. I will not let this slide because we have got to do something to protect the kids that are able to get their hands on this stuff.”
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