An agent with the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) contacted Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) in reference to finding hundreds of suspected THC vape products at a vape shop in Pineville on April 16. ATC agents were there conducting a compliance check after receiving multiple anonymous complaints in reference to an employee selling THC vapes to juveniles.
RADE agents responded to Zaza’s Vape Shop and confirmed the products were illegal and classified as a Schedule I narcotic. Agents detained the employees outside the business while a narcotic search warrant was applied for. Once the search warrant was signed and approved, a search of the business was conducted.
Through their investigation, RADE agents located approximately 300 THC products including THC vapes, THC butter, and bud marijuana. Agents also located 26 bottles of pills that contained an ingredient called Tianeptine. Tianeptine, more commonly known as “Gas Station Heroin,” is an illegal substance listed as a Schedule I narcotic.
The store employee working that day, identified as Troy Dale Reese, 45 of Pineville, was identified by ATC agents as the employee that was selling the alleged THC products from the vape shop. Reese was taken into custody without incident, arrested and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center where he was booked for Possession of CDS I (THC) with Intent to Distribute > 2.5 pounds, Possession of CDS 1 (Tianeptine) with Intent to Distribute, and Transactions Involving Proceeds from the Illegal Sales of Drugs. Reese was released the following day on an $11,000.00 bond.
RADE Agents say their investigation is still ongoing.