Pubdate: Thu, 27 Mar 2008
Source: Times West Virginian (WV)
Copyright: 2008 - The Times West Virginian
Contact:  http://www.timeswv.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1772
Author: Bill Byrd
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?228 (Paraphernalia)

ITEMS 'DESIGNED TO BE USED PRIMARILY FOR SMOKING DRUGS' SEIZED

FAIRMONT -- Undercover officers with the Three Rivers Drug Task Force 
seized pipes, bowls, water bongs and other items "designed to be used 
primarily for smoking drugs" from a Fairmont tobacco store on 
Tuesday, city police said.

In executing a search warrant at the Smoker Friendly Store at 915 
Country Club Road, the officers seized "over 75 marijuana bowls or 
pipes, approximately 18 water bongs, sets of digital scales, screens, 
rolling papers and other items," Fairmont Police Chief Mark Hayes said.

"No one has been charged at this time, but arrest warrants will be 
obtained as the investigation continues," the chief said in a 
statement issued Wednesday.

The local task force, made up of officers from the city police 
department and the Marion County Sheriff's Department, was responding 
to "multiple complaints from citizens" about the store selling the 
items, Hayes said.

There were signs near the items that read "For Tobacco Use Only," the 
chief said.

But he cited State Code 60A-4-403a, which makes it illegal to sell 
the devices if a business "knows or has reason to know that the 
devices are primarily useful as drug devices."

Regan Bartley, the marketing director and a co-owner of the tobacco 
store chain, said Wednesday "it's too early to say anything yet."

Founded 10 1/2 years ago, the Parkersburg-based Smoker Friendly chain 
has grown to 37 locations in the state, Ohio and one store each in 
Maryland and Virginia, Bartley said.

The chain bought the Country Club store three years ago, she said.

Last Saturday night, the chain's store at the Fairhills Plaza in 
Bellview was heavily damaged by a fire. City fire officials said it's 
possible the fire was caused by a still-burning cigarette dumped into 
a trash can when an ashtray was emptied.
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