SWANTON, VT — Police executed a search warrant at a smoke shop following a multi-week investigation into illegal cannabis sales.
The Swanton Village Police Department, with assistance from investigators with the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery, executed the search warrant at Terp City Smoke Shop at 20 Merchants Row on Jan. 16.
Police conducted multiple controlled purchases of cannabis and THC products from the smoke shop prior to executing the search warrant.
The Terp City Smoke Shop was not a licensed cannabis distributor in the state.
Police seized 132 THC vapes of different varieties, approximately 77 grams of marijuana packaged both in bulk and for sale in smaller quantities, and several different forms of edibles packaged for sale.
Police also located approximately 45 grams of crack cocaine.
Jared Lutz, 22, of Swanton, the store owner, was cited for conspiracy to distribute cannabis products.
Police said there was evidence Lutz was the source of cannabis products in the store and had directed store clerk Brian Draper, 52, of Swanton, to sell cannabis products.
Draper was cited for sale of cannabis, sale and possession of cocaine.
The State’s Attorney Office declined prosecution of Lutz for conspiracy; however, the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Officer Kalb at 802-868-4100.
