Baltimore Cracks Down on Illegal Smoke Shops, Seizes Thousands of Illicit Products
In a major effort to combat the sale of illegal cannabis and tobacco products to minors, Baltimore officials have arrested four individuals and seized over 73 pounds of suspected illegal cannabis products and nearly 18,000 tobacco products. The enforcement sweep, led by Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen, marks the beginning of a summer-long crackdown on unlicensed smoke shops operating outside of state law.
Cogen expressed deep concern over the illegal establishments’ targeting and exploitation of children, citing cannabis products packaged to resemble candy. He emphasized that the sheriff’s office will be taking a proactive approach to address this issue, sending underage cadets and undercover deputy sheriffs into smoke shops to attempt to purchase tobacco and cannabis products.
The sheriff’s office has vowed to continue this aggressive enforcement effort throughout the summer, urging business owners to comply with state laws and regulations. Cogen’s message to illegal smoke shop operators is clear: “Be afraid and don’t do it.”
