Press Releases

Kemberle Braden

Chief of Police

Release: IMMEDIATE            

Date: September 18, 2024                  

All suspects, and persons charged with a crime, are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Persons of interest are believed to have information relating to a case, and have not been charged unless stated otherwise.

Joint Investigation: Operation Vapor Trail

(Fayetteville, NC) – Approximately six to eight months ago, Robeson County District Attorney Matthew Scott requested assistance from the Southeastern North Carolina Regional Violent Crime Task Force to investigate vape stores in Robeson County. 

The request came after multiple individuals overdosed on vape products purchased at the stores, and he received information the stores were selling illegal THC products.  

The United States Drug Enforcement Agency assisted in the investigation, which was expanded to Cumberland and Bladen Counties. Officers made undercover purchases at over 100 different vape store locations which resulted in the execution of search warrants at the establishments over the past two days.  

These stores are known to advertise their products as being legal, and only containing levels of THC permitted by law when in fact they contain much higher levels in violation of North Carolina General Statutes.  

They also advertise products intentionally designed to entice younger people to purchase them, such as using legitimate brands of cereal, candy, potato chips, etc. On the packaging. These legitimate companies are not involved in the sale of the illegal products. The North Carolina Secretary of State's Office Law Enforcement Division responsible for investigating counterfeit products assisted with the search warrants. 

Not only do these products contain unlawful levels of THC, but also other harmful chemicals resulting in some individuals experiencing long-term health issues.  

This was a joint investigation involving multiple agencies and with the coordination of the agency heads. 

The investigation is ongoing. A press conference will be held in the next two weeks in which further details will be provided.