Answer Addiction

Tag: drug busts

  • Mother Accused Of Helping Sons Run Counterfeit THC Vape Operation

    Mother Accused Of Helping Sons Run Counterfeit THC Vape Operation

    Authorities reportedly seized nearly 130,000 cartridges that were either empty or contained THC oil from the family-run operation.

    A Wisconsin mother has been accused of helping her young adult sons run a massive counterfeit vape operation.

    Courtney Huffhines, 43, was arrested last Monday (Sept. 30) and has been charged with maintaining a drug-trafficking place, possession with intent to deliver and misappropriation of personal identifying materials.

    Authorities believe that Huffhines was involved in the counterfeit operation by providing a place to run the business and even helping package the THC cartridges at her real estate office, according to Rolling Stone.

    Jacob and Tyler Huffhines, 23 and 20 respectively, were arrested on September 5. Tyler, “the alleged ringleader,” was charged with maintaining a drug house, identity theft and intent to manufacture and distribute THC over 10,000 grams. Jacob was charged with possession of cocaine, THC and a firearm.

    Police Seize THC Oil Estimated to be Worth Over $1.5 Million

    Upon a raid of the family’s home in Paddock Lake and a condominium in nearby Bristol, authorities seized nearly 130,000 cartridges that were either empty or contained THC oil estimated to be worth over $1.5 million.

    The brothers’ operation produced close to 3,000 cartridges a day. They had employed at least 10 people who were paid $20 per hour to fill the cartridges with THC oil that would sell for around $35 to $40 each.

    Police Cracking Down in Response to Recent Vaping Related Illnesses

    The U.S. is currently experiencing an alarming emergence of vaping-related lung injuries and deaths.

    At the time of Jacob and Tyler’s arrest in early September, officials had estimated there were about 400 possible cases of lung injuries and six deaths related to vaping in the U.S. As of October 4, those numbers have shot up to more than 1,000 possible cases and at least 18 deaths, according to the CDC.

    Investigators are honing in on the cause of this outbreak, but an exact cause is yet to be determined.

    Tyler Huffhines’ lawyer argued in his initial court appearance in September that there was no evidence to suggest that the brothers’ operation was connected to the vaping-related illnesses.

    Authorities in Minnesota raided another counterfeit vape operation in late September, arresting one individual in the process. They seized nearly 77,000 vape cartridges containing THC and $23,000 in counterfeit cash from the operation located in Coon Rapids, a suburb of Minneapolis. The cartridges were worth nearly $4 million, according to NBC News.

    So far Minnesota has reported one vaping-related death. There have been no such deaths reported from Wisconsin.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • More Than 75,000 THC Vape Cartridges Seized In Historic Bust

    More Than 75,000 THC Vape Cartridges Seized In Historic Bust

    It’s the biggest bust of its kind in Minnesota history.

    Police in Minnesota confiscated 76,972 THC vape cartridges, estimated to be worth about $4 million, on Monday. Along with the illicit cartridges, law enforcement officers seized $23,000 in counterfeit cash and arrested a suspect who allegedly dealt the cartridges on Snapchat.

    The problem isn’t the THC itself, as medical marijuana is legal in Minnesota. Authorities are concerned that these unlicensed vendors are driving a growing scourge of vaping-related illnesses, possibly due to unknown additives in counterfeit cartridges.

    “We have no idea what is in these cartridges,” said Brian Marquart, an official from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

    This particular bust comes hot on the heels of the death of an elderly woman who was vaping THC to manage back pain. The Minnesota Department of Health says her August death marks the first time anyone in the state has died from a vaping-related lung injury.

    On a national scale, there have been 13 vaping-related deaths and 805 vaping-related illnesses, which has been pushing more states to ban vaping in some shape or form.

    States Banning Various Types Of E-Cigarettes

    Massachusetts has temporarily banned the sales of all vaping products. 

    “One of the experts said that, ‘We don’t have time to wait. People are getting sick and the time to act is now.’ I couldn’t agree more,” Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said.

    Michigan and New York have banned flavored vapes. New York in particular is zeroing in on vitamin E acetate, a particular additive found in many THC vape cartridges. Minnesota feels the same way.

    “We just don’t know the impact of when you inhale it,” said Daniel Huff, Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health.

    Feds Focus on Youth Vaping

    The crisis has even garnered attention at the federal level, with the Trump administration moving to ban flavored e-cigarette products.

    “The Trump administration is making it clear that we intend to clear the market of flavored e-cigarettes to reverse the deeply concerning epidemic of youth e-cigarette use that is impacting children, families, schools and communities,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar in a statement this month.

    According to Azar, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the process of finalizing a compliance policy to remove all flavored e-cigarettes from the market, including legacy flavors like mint and menthol.

    View the original article at thefix.com