Task force raids businesses in crackdown on illegal vape stores in Cumberland, Robeson

Law enforcement agencies are cracking down on unauthorized vapes pouring into Cumberland and Robeson County, following a rise in overdose cases linked to illegal products.

A recent operation targeted 107 vape stores across both counties, with a focus on seizing items containing THC levels above the legal limit of 0.3% in North Carolina.

“They don’t care about people’s health, they just care about their profit,” said Chief Stephen F. Dollinger of Hope Mills Police Department.

Officers searched multiple locations and confiscated counterfeit goods and products exceeding legal THC levels.

Dollinger said the task force began investigating vape stores in Robeson County after receiving information about young adults experiencing overdoses.

“About six to eight months ago, District Attorney Matthew Scott from Robeson County reached out to our North Carolina Southeastern Regional Violent Crime Task Force, asking for assistance in investigating some of the vape shops,” Dollinger said.

Many of the products are packaged using popular cereal, candy and snack brands to attract younger buyers. These counterfeit marketing tactics have caught the attention of the North Carolina Secretary of State, which is also involved in the operation, seizing counterfeit goods.

“In addition to the high THC levels, there are tons of harmful chemicals in these products,” Dollinger said.

A press conference is scheduled for next week to share more details on the seized items and possible criminal charges. Scott and federal agencies are working to ensure those involved face justice.

Dollinger emphasized the importance of removing these dangerous products from the streets, stating that nobody wants their young folks, or even adults, to be at risk of overdosing or developing long-term health risks.

“Very, very bad for your health,” Dollinger said. “And they don’t know and then, you know, these stores are falsely advertising that they’re under the legal limit and so it’s not a violation of law and they are. So in addition to committing a criminal offense, these chemicals are really bad for your health.”