Latest news with #Sergi
CBS News
23-04-2025
- CBS News
$4.8 million, vehicles, jewelry and firearms seized in North Texas smoke shop raid
A joint law enforcement operation resulted in the seizure of vehicles, jewelry, firearms, and $4.8 million, following a probe into alleged illegal drug distribution through businesses named Sky Rise and ZRD Smoke Shops, officials announced Wednesday. The investigation, spearheaded by the Texas Department of Public Safety, involved law enforcement agencies from Dallas and Kaufman counties. Attorney claims shops operate legally under Texas hemp laws Forney Police Department The seizures occurred on Monday. On Wednesday, an attorney representing the businesses said the smoke shops are "federally legal hemp small businesses targeted by questionable police actions." "The business owner has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency and compliance," said David Sergi of San Marcos-based Sergi and Associates, in a statement. "He has offered to share his books and tax records to show that he is operating a lawful enterprise and has always been willing to cooperate with law enforcement. As a respected leader in the Texas hemp industry, he has helped set the standard for accountability and responsible business practices." Sergi said Sky Rise and ZRD Smoke Shops are "fully licensed retailers" selling legal hemp products following Texas law. "All products have been tested by reputable, independent laboratories, and the businesses hold certificates of analysis confirming their compliance with legal THC limits," Sergi said. Forney police discuss lengthy investigation leading to raid Meanwhile, the Forney Police Department said the raid followed a "lengthy investigation into the illegal distribution of controlled substances through multiple businesses in the area, including the Sky Rise Smoke Shop in Forney." Forney Police Department No additional details or potential suspects are being immediately released to "protect the integrity of the process," the Kaufman County District Attorney's Office said. In addition to the Texas Department of Public Safety, participating agencies included the Kaufman County Street Crimes Unit, the Terrell Police Department, the Forney Police Department, the Kaufman County Precinct 2 Constable's Office, and the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office. The investigation is continuing, officials said.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Appellate court finds San Marcos voter-approved marijuana ordinance unlawul
SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – An appellate court last Thursday issued an opinion siding with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, stating that San Marcos' marijuana decriminalization ordinance violates state law. In 2022, over 80% of San Marcos voters approved a proposition that ended low-level marijuana enforcement in the city. In 2024, Paxton sued San Marcos and other cities, including Austin and Killeen, over marijuana decriminalization ordinances passed around the same time or shortly after San Marcos. 'The Texas Local Government Code prohibits the 'governing body of a municipality… municipal police department, municipal attorney, county attorney, district attorney, or criminal district attorney' from 'adopt[ing] a policy under which the entity will not fully enforce laws relating to drugs,'' the opinion filed in the Fifteenth Court of Appeals read. 'San Marcos, however, has passed a local ordinance prohibiting its police officers from issuing citations and making arrests for certain low-level marijuana offenses,' it continued. A Hays County district court judge dismissed the lawsuit in July 2024, but it is now likely to go to trial. San Marcos attorney David Sergi said he believes there will be an increase in citations in the wake of this opinion. 'I believe you'll see a ramp-up in [raids] and that you will see a ramp-up in enforcement efforts,' said Sergi, an expert in Texas marijuana and hemp laws. 'People are actually speaking. They're going to the ballot box. They're doing the things you do in a democracy. And [this opinion] is basically going to invalidate that. It's going to invalidate the voice of the people,' Sergi continued. KXAN reached out to the San Marcos Police Department and asked how this opinion will change its policies. We will update this story once we hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
