Two people are now facing felony charges after an undercover investigation revealed that vape shops in Lincoln County were selling illegal hallucinogenic drugs. The sheriff’s office made the announcement following a thorough operation.
Undercover operation exposes two suspects selling illegal drugs and hallucinogens
The investigation began when the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received complaints from the public about The Plug Smoke and Vape Shop. The complaints claimed the store was selling illegal THC products and hallucinogenic mushrooms. In response, law enforcement launched an undercover operation. Deputies visited The Plug locations in Beresford and Canton, purchasing a variety of products. These products were sent to the South Dakota State Health Lab in Pierre for testing. The results confirmed that the items were, in fact, illegal hallucinogens under state law and led to the arrests of suspects.
Testing confirms the products are illegal
After deputies made their purchases, the items were tested at the state lab. The tests showed the products sold by the vape shop were hallucinogenic substances, which are illegal in South Dakota. Sheriff Steve Swenson confirmed that the products violated state laws, which led to the search warrants and arrests that followed, identifying the suspects involved.
Search warrants led to arrests of two suspects in Beresford
On March 4, the sheriff’s office carried out search warrants at The Plug locations in both Beresford and Canton. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Vermillion Police Department assisted in executing the warrants. The operation resulted in the arrest of 21-year-old Izabella Patenode and 24-year-old Jordan Olson. Both suspects are from Beresford and now face several charges related to illegal drug sales.
Charges filed for selling and possessing illegal drugs
Izabella Patenode and Jordan Olson are both facing felony charges for distributing and possessing controlled substances. They also face charges for operating a place for the sale of these illegal substances and for selling items for intoxicating purposes. Additionally, Olson has been charged with possession of marijuana and the intent to distribute it. He is also accused of violating a drug-free zone. These charges have broadened the spotlight on the suspects involved in this case.
Court appearance scheduled for both suspects in Lincoln County
Both suspects appeared in the Lincoln County Courthouse on March 5 for an initial hearing. However, neither entered a plea at the time. Preliminary hearings have been scheduled for March 20, where more details will be revealed. The charges against both individuals carry serious penalties, and the investigation continues.
Business license revocation adds another blow to the Plug Vape Shops
In addition to facing criminal charges, The Plug Smoke and Vape Shop had its business license revoked. The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office dissolved the business license in February. The store failed to submit required annual reports to the state, which led to the loss of its operating license. This revocation came just before the arrests, raising questions about the store’s legitimacy and the actions of the suspects involved.
The investigation drew the attention of local organizations like South Dakota Retailers for Better Alternatives (SDRBA). This group works to promote responsible business practices in the wellness and alternative health industry. Caleb Rose, the president of SDRBA, publicly condemned the actions of The Plug Vape Shops. He emphasized that businesses that break the law put public safety at risk and should be held accountable for their actions.
SDRBA calls for stronger regulations to prevent illegal sales
In response to the investigation, Rose stressed the need for better regulations. He said SDRBA does not support businesses selling illegal or unregulated products. The organization aims to ensure that companies in the wellness industry follow state laws and contribute to public safety. Rose promised that SDRBA would continue working with lawmakers and law enforcement to establish stronger regulations. Their goal is to protect consumers, support local businesses, and prevent illegal activities from hurting the industry and identifying more suspects.
