DPS Seizes Nearly $5 Million, Thousands of THC Products in Raids at 13 North Texas Smoke Shops
DALLAS - Texas Department of Public Safety agents executed search warrants at 13 Scorpion Smoke Shop locations across North Texas this week as part of an investigation into the suspected illegal sale and distribution of THC and hemp-derived products.
The multi-agency operation was conducted Sept. 22 and resulted in the seizure of thousands of suspected THC products, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, vehicles and nearly $5 million in cash and other assets, according to DPS.
No arrests have been made.
DPS said investigators seized approximately 11,468 suspected THC products, 5,475 grams of marijuana, 33,455 grams of THC and 33,867 grams of psilocybin mushrooms. Agents also seized 23 vehicles and nearly $5 million in U.S. currency and other assets.
The agency did not provide a breakdown of what was seized from each store or identify the locations of the 13 Scorpion Smoke Shops searched.
DPS Criminal Investigations Division agents reported finding THC and hemp-derived products displayed for retail sale. According to the agency, laboratory testing of certain products collected during its investigation found delta-9 THC concentrations as high as 26%.
The raids come amid changes to how Texas classifies and regulates THC products.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reinstated clarifications to the state's definitions of tetrahydrocannabinols and marijuana extract effective July 31. DSHS says consumable hemp products may contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. The agency also says products containing delta-8 THC beyond naturally occurring trace amounts may be detained and referred to law enforcement.
That distinction is significant because Texas has not imposed a blanket ban on all consumable hemp products. The state's current guidance continues to permit compliant consumable hemp products containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC, subject to other regulatory requirements.
DPS said its investigation also concerns products containing other THC derivatives that the agency contends cannot legally be sold in Texas under the state's controlled-substance rules.
The agency said the Scorpion Smoke Shop searches are part of a broader effort to identify retailers suspected of illegally selling THC and hemp-derived products.
DPS was assisted by the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office, Canton Police Department, Kaufman County District Attorney's Task Force and Wills Point Police Department.
The agency said the investigation remains active.
