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WINDSOR – The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office seized counterfeit items and large amounts of what are believed to be illegal THC products on Tuesday.

Working with an agent representing the NC Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, Bertie Sheriff’s deputies conducted compliance checks at three smoke/vape shops in the county. Bertie Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said the goal of the compliance check operation is to ensure businesses are abiding by the state’s previously established Gaming Machine laws, not selling counterfeit goods, and not selling THC based products with illegal levels of THC.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis (marijuana). While marijuana remains illegal in North Carolina, hemp became legal nationwide in 2018. North Carolina law permits the sale of cannabis products sourced from hemp with less than a 0.3% delta-9 THC concentration.

“The packaging for these types of products are suppose to list the amount of THC,” Ruffin said. “When that information is uncertain, we seize the products and send them off for testing at a state lab. If those tests show concentrations of THC that are higher than what the state allows, we will issue a warning to the business owner. If we return and still find those items offered for sale, that’s when we proceed with criminal charges.”

Ruffin went on to say that suppliers have worked to create a vast assortment of THC based products ranging from gummies, to traditional smokeable style items, to even breakfast bars.

“Many of these items not only are being marketed in counterfeit packaging, but are being marketed in a way to target the youth,” Ruffin said, “The safety and well being of our youth is paramount to me and this agency. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure these business operate within the confines of the law as we do what is necessary to keep these unsafe products out of the hands of our youth.”

Ruffin added that Tuesday’s compliance checks also resulted in a number of counterfeit clothing items (caps/hats and t-shirts) being seized.

In 2004, North Carolina Secretary Elaine Marshall established the NC Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, which focuses on investigating trademark violations and removing counterfeit goods from circulation. This task force includes law enforcement from federal, state, and local levels and has been successful in seizing millions of dollars worth of counterfeit products.