Yesterday the McGrath Law Firm, led by attorney Peter McGrath, sent a press release to members of the media alleging the “unlawful seizure of millions of dollars in inventory, and business assets from legally operating hemp retailers across South Carolina” by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Notably, these allegations against SLED were later retracted by the McGrath Law Firm. However, in my view the damage was done and a response is warranted. SLED has not been served with any legal action by Mr. McGrath at this point. To our knowledge, no law enforcement agency has been served with any legal action.
SLED supports the DEA, as well as our local, state, and other federal partners, in ridding our communities of dangerous illicit drugs. While it would be improper to release any additional information at this time, including forensic analysis of products from these shops, I encourage everyone to carefully evaluate all claims made in this or future releases.
As the Chief of SLED, as a law enforcement professional for nearly 50 years, and as a father and grandfather; I will not sit idly by while a well-funded cannabis industry invades South Carolina with the hopes of legitimizing and normalizing these dangerous products. I refuse to sit on the sidelines while what are, in my opinion, neighborhood drug dealers operate under the guise of legitimacy.
These vape-style shops have popped up in neighborhoods across South Carolina with flashy lights and illicit products, and are peddling dangerous, high potency, intoxicating THC products to anyone who will buy them – often with tragic consequences.
In a recent analysis provided to SLED, there are hundreds of these vape-style shops in the Low Country and Midlands regions of South Carolina within 1/2 mile of a school.
I urge you to educate yourselves and your children on the harm these dangerous drugs pose.
It is my sincere hope that we as a state say, “enough is enough” and rid ourselves of high potency THC products and the ability of vape shops to sell them. These high potency products pose a real risk to our citizens, especially our young people, and we must take appropriate action.
Finally, I will not stand down to this industry or to their lawyers – especially when they make false allegations. What I will do, as I have done throughout my near five decades of law enforcement service, is do what is right and enforce the laws of this state with integrity.
Mark A. Keel
Chief of SLED
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