Big Bust at Surfside Beach CBD Dispensary Sparks Safety Concerns

Big Bust at Surfside Beach CBD Dispensary

Surfside Beach, S.C. – Well, folks, it seems we have some breaking news stirring up the sandy shores of our beloved Surfside Beach! On Thursday, the local police conducted a significant raid on the Delta Dispensary, located at 327 North Highway 17. What started as a simple traffic stop turned into a full-blown investigation that raised some serious questions about what was really being sold in our area.

The Raid—What Happened?

It all kicked off when a handful of folks were pulled over and hit with charges for marijuana possession. In a twist of fate, these individuals let slip that their purchases were made at the Delta Dispensary. That raised some eyebrows at the Surfside Beach Police Department. As Police Chief Kenneth Davis shared, they received tips from federal partners about dubious substances bound for that very dispensary. Sounds like something out of a crime movie, right?

An Undercover Operation

Following the leads, the police launched a three-month investigation, which included an undercover officer making several purchases of products from the Delta Dispensary. Those purchases were sent to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for testing. The results? They came back with levels of THC that were allegedly beyond the legal limit! This means that folks were potentially buying products they thought were legal, only to find out they weren’t.

Finding the Goods

When the raid took place, police found over ten pounds of a green leafy substance, which they suspect is marijuana. The lead detective on the case explained that customers might have thought they were buying harmless hemp products, but they were actually getting the real deal. As he put it, “We are the family beach. We want to keep it that way, and we won’t tolerate that.” Now that’s a hard-line stance!

Charges Filed

In the aftermath of the raid, a couple of individuals connected to the dispensary, Jason Papotto and Sabrena Papotto, were charged with multiple counts related to marijuana distribution, particularly because their dispensary is in close proximity to schools and parks. And you guessed it; more charges are expected to come down the pipeline.

Mayor’s Take

The Mayor of Surfside Beach, Robert Krouse, added his thoughts on the situation. He shared that there’s currently a six-month moratorium on vape shops, and while dispensaries aren’t directly included, it’s certainly something they’re keeping an eye on. It seems like local officials are making a concerted effort to ensure community safety while figuring out how to regulate these products properly.

Staying Informed

Meanwhile, over at CannaBetter Farm in Forestbrook, the owner, Matt Campbell Sr., has chimed in on the issue. He expressed concerns about how many businesses are selling products without knowing what’s truly inside them. “There’s a lot of people relying on plausible deniability,” he noted, and he stressed the importance of strict quality control. In his shop, they thoroughly test and verify every new product before it hits the shelves.

Ask for Paperwork

What’s the takeaway for all you folks wanting to buy CBD products? Don’t hesitate to ask for paperwork! Legitimate products should always come with documentation proving what they contain. According to Matt Campbell Jr., understanding what’s in your products is crucial, and more customers should become proactive about inquiring.

Now, with South Carolina laws in mind, remember that cannabis or hemp products containing over 0.30 percent THC are still illegal to own or sell in the state. As the investigation into the Delta Dispensary continues, let’s all stay informed and safe as we navigate the world of CBD. Be aware, Myrtle Beach friends! You never know what could be lurking in those jars!