Authorities in Anoka County on Monday seized 75,000 illicit THC vaping cartridges which they believe came from from out of state in order to be distributed across Minnesota.
Investigators announced the seizure on Tuesday. The seizure comes as hospitals across the country and in Minnesota have recently reported hospitalizations and deaths linked to vaping. In some cases, patients reported vaping THC.
Related: Vaping-related death reported in Minnesota
"We've been concerned about these products for quite some time," said Brian Marquart, a statewide gang and drug coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. "We have no idea what's in these cartridges. We will again, like the Health Department, caution anyone using these products...you do not know what is in them."
The illegal THC products may be the culprit in a nationwide outbreak of serious lung problems involving people vaping, with several cases in Minnesota and at least one death here. Assistant Minnesota Health Commissioner Daniel Huff says a majority of those affected admitted to vaping illicit TCH products.
"So far, our investigation is correlating these injuries to illegally purchased THC vaping cartridges," Huff said. "We urge everyone, do not use illegal THC cartridges."
The 75,000 cartridges that were seized are estimated to be worth $4 million.
Related
