BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — A series of search warrants executed in Bristol, Virginia, led to the confiscation of over 300 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value exceeding $1 million, according to the Virginia State Police.
The Holston River Regional Drug Task Force (HRRDTF) carried out these operations on three separate occasions this month. News Channel 11 revealed on Wednesday that one of these warrants was served at a location known as CannaBoyz.
On May 1, the HRRDTF, in partnership with the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, searched The Mile High Club on Euclid Avenue. This search resulted in the seizure of approximately three pounds of marijuana, valued at $13,500. Authorities noted that this location lies within a school zone and near a childcare facility.
On May 6, another warrant was executed at a warehouse in Bristol, Virginia, located at the former site of the Herald Courier on Bob Morrison Boulevard. The VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation discovered 250 pounds of marijuana valued at $1,135,000, along with 192 marijuana plants worth $576,000, and 50 pounds of THC edibles with a value of $22,700. The VSP indicated that charges are expected to follow.
This warehouse operation was carried out by multiple divisions, including the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Special Investigations and Programs Division, Mass Transit Unit, and Areas 74 and 76. Additionally, teams from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation Wytheville Field Office, the High Tech Crimes Division, the Special Operations Division, and the HRRDTF participated in the raid.
On Wednesday, the HRRDTF and the BVPD executed search warrants at two more businesses.
One warrant was served at CannaBoyz on West State Street, where approximately 25 pounds of marijuana was seized with a street value of $112,500. The VSP said additional evidence was also seized.
Also on Wednesday, the HRRDTF and the BVPD served a search warrant at Space Apes on Paulena Drive in the City of Bristol. Approximately 30 pounds of marijuana was seized with a $135,000 street value. Additional evidence was also seized, the VSP said.
The BVPD said TCH edibles, pictured below, were also seized.
“When cannabis products are packaged to resemble candy, it creates a significant public safety concern,” the BVPD said. “Children cannot distinguish between these products and legitimate candy, turning what appears to be an ordinary snack into a serious health risk.”
Chief Ashbrook with the BVPD said he “personally visited a number of these establishments, including CannaBoyz and Space Apes, and provided them with copies of the rules and regulations from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. At that time, they were advised that as long as they complied with the law, enforcement action would not be necessary. Evidence gathered during this investigation indicates that these businesses failed to comply with those requirements.”
The BVPD provided the rules and regulations, which are included below:
CannaBoyz released the following statement to News Channel 11 on Thursday:
Canna Boyz is fully cooperating with all agencies involved and remains committed to operating with transparency, professionalism, and integrity throughout this investigation.
We are confident that our business follows all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. Our team takes compliance seriously and works diligently to ensure that every aspect of our operations meets required guidelines.
At this time, we will continue to cooperate respectfully with authorities while remaining focused on reopening to continue serving our customers and community responsibly. We appreciate the continued support from our clients, partners, and community members as this matter moves forward.
CannaBoyz
The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing the investigation for any possible applicable civil enforcement actions, the VSP said.