November 20, 2019
Local Tobacco and Vape Shop Raid Overnight
For the last few months the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) broadcast public safety alerts to the public regarding deaths they have related to vaping and THC oil. The Marietta Police Department (MPD), acting on those warnings, began conducting investigations into the sale and use of HEMP and CBD oil within the city of Marietta. Samples were obtained and shipped to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) lab for testing. Samples obtained from the “Royal Cigar & Tobacco” (RCT) shop located at 1514 Roswell Road and the corresponding business (same owner) “Endangered Botanicals” located at 1510 Roswell Road came back as THC, not HEMP as the shop claimed. With that evidence in hand, investigators secured search warrants for the two business addresses. Last night, November 19th, Investigators served the search warrants and collected in excess of nine pounds of marijuana, multiple scales, baggies and three firearms. Investigators also discovered a lab set up to manufacture both gummy edibles and what the shop owner, Billy Christian, reported to be Kratom capsules. More than one hundred pounds of those substances were collected for further testing.
- Kratom, (assuming that is what was actually collected) acts as an opiate and has similar effects as heroin. Investigators will work with the Cobb County District Attorney’s office to determine what charges may be appropriate related to this substance once the GBI confirms the actual chemicals being included with each capsule.
The search inside the business led to a nexus to Billy Christian’s residence and an additional search warrant for 206 Yancy Drive in Cobb County was obtained. Cobb County Police Department Violent Incident Prevention and Early Response unit (VIPER) agents assisted MPD in searching the residence where another firearm and more marijuana was seized.
Billy Christian was arrested and is currently facing the following charges: VGCSA Sale of Marijuana (F), VGCSA Intent to Distribute Marijuana (F), VGCSA Possession Marijuana more than one once (F), Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Crime (F).
This investigation is ongoing and additional charges against the business owner and any additional suspects will be filed pending the outcome of the test results. The MPD would like to thank the GBI and CCPD VIPER agents for assisting in this important investigation.
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Chief Flynn noted: “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners who were involved in this important investigation. Who knows how many individuals may have consumed these items not knowing what they were actually doing, and how that could negatively impact their personal and professional lives/health. New threats from drugs are coming at us quickly. Any drug trend that poses a threat to the residents of the city of Marietta will become a priority for us as it was in this case.”
