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topicnews · October 24, 2024

Stuart’s Draft Growshop is under investigation

Stuart’s Draft Growshop is under investigation

STUARTS DRAFT – A building housing a grow shop in Stuarts Draft was recently raided by authorities who allege marijuana was being sold illegally at “pop-up” events there, according to court documents.

On Wednesday, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and that charges will likely be filed once the investigation is complete.

A confidential informant reportedly made a handful of marijuana purchases on Sept. 26 on the second floor of the building housing the High Grow Hydro business at 293 Draft Avenue, according to a search warrant affidavit.

The informant told the sheriff’s office that pop-up events typically take place on Thursdays and Saturdays and that participants could purchase marijuana products from vendors after paying a $10 entry fee. The affidavit states that guests accessed the second floor of the building through a side door that led to a stairwell.

The informant is said to have purchased four bags of marijuana during the first visit.

Two weeks later, on October 10, the informant again went to another pop-up event and reportedly purchased several bags of marijuana and THC products. Seven salespeople were there that day and one of them had a handgun holstered, the affidavit states.

Around 20 to 30 people attended each event.

A few days later, on October 17, a Thursday, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at the store during another pop-up event.

“The search warrant resulted in the seizure of multiple types of narcotics and multiple firearms,” the sheriff’s office said. According to court documents, marijuana and THC-infused products were seized, with one seller reportedly in possession of a “distribution quantity” of marijuana.

A person who answered the phone at the store Wednesday declined to comment but said no narcotics were found during the search.

On Wednesday, Lt. Leslie Snyder, a spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office, said she could not comment on the ongoing investigation.

Although possession of up to an ounce of marijuana is legal in Virginia and cultivation of a maximum of four plants is permitted, retail sales have yet to be legalized.

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Brad Zinn is a police officer, courtroom and breaking news reporter for The News Leader. Do you have a news tip? Or something that needs to be investigated? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter).