Several local businesses raided as part of multi-county probe into illegal drug sales, other criminal activity.
Officers with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office are shown standing guard outside the N’Hale Smoke Shop on Front Street in Richton Thursday morning. The business was one of several across the Pine Belt area raided by local, state and federal authorities as part of a massive investigation into alleged illegal drug activity.
Photo by RUSSELL TURNER | Dispatch Editor
From Staff Reports
Law enforcement officials converged on three Perry County businesses early Thursday morning as part of a multi-county operation focusing on the alleged sale of unapproved and dangerous products to the public, including minors.
According to Perry County Sheriff, the operation involving federal, state and local officials originated from an investigation launched in Perry County early last year. The three Perry County businesses, all of which are under the same ownership, are located in Richton, Beaumont and the Brewer Community, but Sheriff Garner says the case is much more widespread as a large number of convenience stores and vape stores in seven Pine Belt counties are involved. Search and seizure warrants were served across the Pine Belt targeting both residential and commercial property.
In a written statement released just before lunch Thursday, Sheriff Garner said his office began receiving numerous complaints in early 2024 regarding Perry County businesses suspected of selling alcohol, dangerous illegal vapes, THC edibles, and other unapproved/illegal items to underage individuals. Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, Sheriff Garner assigned a newly hired deputy—an experienced retired DEA agent—to investigate. This deputy was immediately placed with the DEA office in Hattiesburg to begin an in-depth investigation. Officials with the sheriff’s office also began gathering information at that time, conducting controlled purchases, and obtaining key information through traffic stops, and other investigative measures.
“As the investigation progressed, it became clear that this issue extended beyond Perry County,” Sheriff Garner said in the statement. “Law enforcement agencies in surrounding counties were receiving similar complaints involving businesses owned by the same individuals or their close associates. The investigation quickly expanded into Forrest, Lamar, Marion, Greene, Jefferson Davis and Jones Counties.”
“Through months of dedicated work, the DEA task force agent uncovered evidence of both illegal financial crimes and the sale of unapproved and dangerous products to the public, including minors. On September 11, 2025, sufficient evidence was gathered to secure more than 20 search warrants for businesses and residences across Perry County and other counties mentioned above.”
Garner also noted that the investigation had uncovered evidence of illegal financial crimes, along with the alleged illegal drug activity.
Warrants began being executed in the early morning hours Thursday through a large-scale operation involving federal drug enforcement agents, officers with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Highway Patrol, local law enforcement and numerous other assisting agencies. The operation led to multiple arrests on charges including illegal sales, and other narcotics-related offenses.
At the time of this report early Thursday afternoon. No details about who had been arrested or what charges were being filed had been publicly released.
“Anyone who chooses to open a business in Perry County for the purpose of selling illegal narcotics, vapes, or THC products to children or adults will be arrested and prosecuted,” said Sheriff Garner. “These items—disguised as safe or legal—are destroying lives and endangering the health and safety of our citizens. Business owners profiting off of the harm of our children and adults in our county will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Garner heaped praise on the task force agent for his tireless efforts and also extended his gratitude to “every agency and individual who played a role in gathering evidence and executing the warrants.”
He also thanked District Attorney Lin Carter of the 12th Judicial District for assistance provided through his office during the course of this investigation.
Further details will be released as the investigation continues.
