Five Lincoln smoke shops found selling illegal substances, police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln Police Department is investigating several smoke shops across the city.

Earlier this year, LPD conducted compliance checks at 10 Lincoln smoke shops after being contacted by citizens about product advertisements from the stores, spokeswoman Erika Thomas said.

“Based on lab testing, five were determined to be selling statutorily prohibited substances,” she said. “Investigators followed up with further checks in June and found similar results before filing for search warrants in August.”

On Aug. 7, the department’s narcotics task force then collected edibles, plant materials, paraphernalia and financial records from the five shops:

• Cannabis Factory near Antelope Valley Parkway and O Street.
• Kind Life Dispensary near 27th Street and Pine Lake Road.
• Three 50 Shades of Green locations in Lincoln.

The other five smoke shops in the investigation were found to be in compliance with state laws.

Police did not say what substances were found and have not made any arrests. Thomas said the department is still determining whether the stores will face any fines.

50 Shades of Green released a statement on Monday:

Counsel for 50 Shades of Green has been in contact with law enforcement and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. 50 Shades has not been made aware of any particular product that is illegal or in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. In an effort to maintain compliance with the recent search warrant and in an effort to promote good faith with law enforcement, 50 Shades voluntarily submitted a sample of each of its products for testing to an independent ISO and DEA certified lab. To date, there have been no indications of any violations under the re-testing. Again, 50 Shades is making every effort to maintain the trust of its customers, and the safety of the community. Our client welcomes discussion on further regulation and legislation.

Three stores in Sarpy County are also under investigation.

Sheriff Jeff Davis said Monday that products at two Cannabis Factory shops and a 50 Shades of Green location were more potent than allowed by law.

The legal THC content limit in Nebraska is 0.3%. Davis said several products tested about 5% and some were 15% THC.

Both the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Police say consumer protection is a priority in these cases.

“Do your research and understand what is being purchased,” Thomas said. “That’s important to make sure that parents and anyone who is purchasing these – that are legally allowed to do so – understand what they’re choosing to purchase.”

The investigation in Lincoln is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to call police at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.