On Monday, June 23, Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), in coordination with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the 12th and 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Offices, and multiple local law enforcement agencies, executed a series of search warrants targeting several CBD specialty stores and vape shops suspected of violating Alabama’s marijuana laws.
At approximately 10 a.m., search warrants were carried out at the following locations:
•Troy: Three stores in the 1000 Block of U.S. Highway 231
•Enterprise: Locations in the 1000 and 600 Blocks of Boll Weevil Circle, and the 1000Block of Rucker Boulevard
•Clanton: Stores in the 500 Block of 7th Street North and the 2000 Block of 7th Street South
•Wetumpka: One store in the 4000 Block of U.S. Highway 231
•Montgomery: One store in the 6000 Block of Atlanta Highway
This coordinated operation is the result of a nearly year-long investigation into the sale of plant-based materials containing illegal levels of THC, which were being sold over the counter in violation of Alabama law.
Alabama law clearly states that only hemp products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are legal. This standard is based on the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (also known as the Farm Bill) passed by the U.S. Congress. Products exceeding that THC threshold are classified as illegal marijuana, regardless of how they are labeled or marketed.
ALEA SBI Major Crimes Chief Shawn Loughridge said, “During the course of this investigation, Special Agents and local law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases to analyze and determine the THC content of these substances after receiving numerous complaints from citizens of certain CBD specialty stores and vape shops violating the marijuana law.”
As a result of the searches, significant quantities of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and other illegal items were seized. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time. However, the evidence collected marks a major step in holding businesses accountable and protecting the health and safety of Alabama communities.
ALEA would like to recognize and thank the following partners for their critical role in the success of this operation: The Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force, the 12th and 19th Circuit District Attorney’s Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Coffee County and Chilton County Sheriff’s Offices, and the police departments in Clanton, Enterprise, Troy, Montgomery, and Wetumpka.
A joint press conference was held on Friday, June 27, with ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, SBI Director Chris Inabinett, SBI Chief Shawn Loughridge and 12th Judicial Circuit District Attorney James Tarbox in attendance, to further discuss the operation in detail and provide media partners with visuals of the illegal substances. During the press conference, SBI Director Inabinett clarified, “We now have the technology and facilities at ALEA to conduct accurate, presumptive analysis of THC levels in these products. These search warrants were not meant to punish business owners; they were issued in response to numerous community complaints. This is about public safety.”
He continued with a warning to both parents and citizens, “Some of these items, often disguised as candy, snacks, or other familiar products, pose serious risks—especially to children or individuals who are unaware they contain THC. We urge parents to stay vigilant and be aware of what their children are exposed to. Additionally, these products can impair driving and may cause individuals to unknowingly fail a drug test at work.”
Following strong remarks from Attorney General Marshall and District Attorney Tarbox, ALEA Secretary Taylor closed the press conference stating, “This week’s operation, led by ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation and supported by a strong network of local, state, and federal partners, reflects the kind of coordinated effort that is essential in tackling complex illegal activity. These cases don’t come together overnight. They require time, dedication, and the full weight of interagency cooperation.” He continued and said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Governor Kay Ivey and our State Legislators for their steadfast support of law enforcement. Their commitment through critical resources, sound policy, and consistent backing makes operations like this possible. Without their leadership and investment, the results we’re seeing today would not have been possible.”
