Surfside Beach Dispensary Scrutinized for Illegal Marijuana Sales
Surfside Beach, S.C. is buzzing with news that has shocked the community! The owners of a now-closed dispensary have come under fire following allegations that they were selling illegal marijuana. According to recently filed court documents, Jason and Sabrena Papotto, who operated Delta Dispensary, are accused of purchasing vast amounts of marijuana from other states and repackaging it to mislead customers into believing they were buying legal South Carolina products.
Town Council Takes Action
It all started back in October when the town council of Surfside Beach voted unanimously to revoke the Delta Dispensary’s business license. This decision came after the Papottos were arrested on two charges each for distribution of marijuana and distribution close to a school or park.
Surfside Beach police stated the arrests followed an intense three-month investigation that focused on the sale of products that were “unregulated and untested” but marketed as hemp. The stakes were high as marijuana laws and regulations become more pronounced across the state, and the council was determined to maintain a safe environment for the community.
The Allegations Unfold
During the council hearing on October 10, Jason Papotto stood up for himself and his business. He insisted that he and his wife were not operating in bad faith. “These folks know the character of our family,” he stated passionately. “We’re not out here to hurt nobody. We have the least shady store in this whole town. That’s the truth about it.”
However, the authorities had a different story. New evidence in the form of asset forfeiture documents revealed more details about the illegal activities that were taking place at the dispensary. A detective working undercover posed as a customer back on July 12. During this operation, he requested $40 worth of marijuana from Jason. The detective watched as Jason pulled out products from a vacuum-sealed bag, weighed them, and packaged them for sale.
Testing Reveals Troubling Results
To determine the legality of the product, the substance was sent off to a laboratory for testing. Shockingly, the results showed that the product contained a whopping 19.4% THC — far beyond the legal limit established in South Carolina of just .3% THC. This was a major red flag for law enforcement.
But the undercover work didn’t stop there! On July 31 and August 27, the same detective returned for more purchases, both of which tested positive for excessive THC levels. In total, law enforcement seized products that could potentially endanger the public.
Further Investigations by Law Enforcement
Adding to the intrigue, a police dog from Myrtle Beach intercepted a package intended for the dispensary. This package weighed in at about 3.2 pounds of marijuana, raising further concerns about the operations of Delta Dispensary.
A Community Response
In a swift follow-up to the revocation of the Papottos’ business license, town leaders implemented a six-month ban on any new vape, cannabis, or tobacco stores in the area. This decision highlights the community’s commitment to ensuring that such illegal activities do not take root in Surfside Beach, preserving the safety and well-being of its residents.
As this case unfolds, it showcases the broader conversations surrounding marijuana regulations and the importance of adhering to state laws. Residents can only hope that this incident serves as a reminder to all businesses about the significance of following the rules set forth in South Carolina.
