Latest news with #PauldingCounty
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Operation Clean Air uncovers rampant vape sales to minors in Paulding County
The Brief "Operation Clean Air" led to the arrest of seven individuals in Paulding County for selling vape products to minors, with nine out of ten targeted stores found guilty. Undercover operations using underage buyers exposed a widespread issue of vape sales to minors, prompting local residents to support the crackdown for community and school safety. Law enforcement officials plan to continue compliance checks to ensure store owners adhere to regulations and prevent underage vape sales. PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. - Seven people have been arrested in Paulding County as part of a crackdown on stores accused of selling vape products to minors. SEE ALSO: 7 arrested in Paulding County underage vaping sting, deputies say What we know The Paulding County Sheriff's Office, working in coordination with the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force, launched "Operation Clean Air" two months ago after local school officials reported a spike in students caught with vape devices on campus. "We started hitting stores," said Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jordan Yuodis. "Of the 10 stores we went to, nine of them sold to minors." Undercover operations using underage buyers revealed a widespread problem across the county, according to investigators. "We started using people who were under the age to shop for vapes, and almost every store we went to, a minor was sold a vape," Yuodis said. "Our job is to make the community and the schools safer." What they're saying Local residents say the crackdown is long overdue. "I think it's about time they crack down on it and keep these kids safe," said Cheney Bromm, a Paulding County resident. "We don't know what [vaping] will do to them yet, not enough research, so I think it's a good idea." Another resident, Madon Burrell, described the impact of vaping in local schools. "Underage smoking can be a problem, especially in the schools," he said. "You can walk in a school bathroom and there are kids — just a bunch of kids — huffing on vapes." Law enforcement officials say the operation is far from over and warned store owners and employees that compliance checks will continue. "If you're doing that type of activity and not doing what you're supposed to do as the owner, the next time you go to sell a vape it might be someone underage, it might not be," Yuodis said. "You never know when we're going to show up." The Source FOX 5's Denise Dillon spoke with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office and the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force for this article.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Massive drug bust in Paulding County: Meth, fentanyl, and firearms seized
The Brief Authorities seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, and 14 firearms during a drug bust in Paulding County, leading to the arrest of John Burch. The investigation began after neighbors reported suspicious activity, and officials emphasize the importance of removing fentanyl and firearms from the streets for public safety. Additional arrests may follow as the investigation continues, with Burch facing numerous charges related to drug distribution. HIRAM, Ga. - Authorities in Paulding County seized methamphetamine, fentanyl and more than a dozen firearms during a drug bust at a home in the Lake Swan neighborhood, leading to one arrest and the possibility of more. What we know John Burch, 45, was taken into custody after investigators with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office and the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the residence. Officials say the investigation began after neighbors reported suspicious activity at the home, which sits on a street where children are often seen playing. Inside, deputies found bags of meth and fentanyl, as well as 14 firearms. "That fentanyl alone could have killed literally thousands of people," said Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson. "So getting these types of drugs, especially fentanyl, off the streets is vital to public safety." Henson added the firearms seized will no longer be available for potential criminal use. "Those are guns that are not going to go out and be able to be used in the commission of any types of crimes," he said. Burch faces numerous charges. Investigators believe he was selling drugs from the home, and the sheriff's office said additional arrests could follow as the investigation continues. What they're saying Jason Coutu, who lives one street over, said the bust did not come as a shock given the area's growth in recent years. "It's crazy. I mean, it is crazy. But it's everywhere," said Coutu. "I'm just glad Paulding County is doing a good job and taking care of it." Sheriff Henson said his office remains focused on reducing crime and drug distribution in the community. "I don't care if it's a gram or pounds—anytime you get drugs off our streets, you get guns off our streets that are in the hands of criminals, then we've done something good," Henson said. "So I chalk this one up as a win for the good guys." What we don't know Burch's next court date was not immediately known. The Source FOX 5's Denise Dillon spoke with Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson and residents of the Lake Swan neighborhood in Hiram for this article.
