Detroit smoke shop shut down for selling marijuana without license

DETROIT – A smoke shop on Detroit’s east side is shut down by the city after police say the business was caught selling marijuana without a license.

Vapes on Pointe on Warren Avenue had an orange sign across its door, sealing it shut.

Police say the shop was brought to their attention after community members reported a minor was sold marijuana at the establishment.

“My great nephew came up here and made some purchases, (he’s) 14 years old,” said Deboraha Underwood. “Weed, edibles, vape pen.”

Underwood got police and community activists involved.

“Our Vice unit did a subsequent investigation and was able to purchase some marijuana items from this location, at which time we made some arrests, executed a search warrant, and had to effectively close down the building,” said Detroit Police Commander Jevon Johnson.

Community activist Teferi Brent works with a group raising awareness about shops selling tobacco or marijuana products to minors.

“The police did the right thing in responding immediately,” said Brent.

Brent said this is the fifth shop they’ve helped police shut down.

“There may be 500 more,” Brent said. “If that’s what it takes to get these people to stop selling poison to our children.”

–> Activists rally against tobacco shops selling to minors in Detroit