Six people were arrested during “Operation 420,” an investigation into vape shops in Horizon City selling THC products in violation of Texas law, police officials said.
The arrest warrants — apparently in a bit of intended irony — were carried out on Monday, April 20, also known as 4/20, or Weed Day, the unofficial cannabis enthusiasts’ holiday.
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Texas, even after it has been legalized in almost half of the United States.
“Operation 420” was conducted by Horizon City police in coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Socorro Police Department, stated a news release by Horizon City police Officer Carolyn Morales.
In the past month, DEA agents had been working alongside police in Horizon City and Socorro as part of an investigation into vape shops selling tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, products.
During the investigation, surveillance was conducted at several establishments and identified several customers who allegedly purchased THC products in violation of state law, police said.
Arrest warrants were drawn up on charges such as possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. The arrests were carried out on 4/20.
Six people — four men and two women — ranging in age from 72 to 18 years old were arrested, police said. Three men were arrested only on a charge of possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. The others were arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance in various amounts.
Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X.