Drug Task Force Executes Search Warrant
STOCK IMAGE/Lexington Progress
UPDATE: In today’s edition of the Lexington Progress, it was reported that the I-40 Vape Shop is being investigated. Upon further review, the Lexington Progress was informed that this was one of two local vape shops being investigated where officers confiscated suspicious products for additional testing.
Two local vape shops were visited by law enforcement on Monday, September 14th, and agreed to surrender products as part of an ongoing investigation, according to officials.
Late Tuesday, Commander of the 26th Judicial Drug Task Force Samuel Gilley issued a statement on the raids. That statement came after our press time.
“On September 14th, 2026, the 26th Judicial Drug Task Force, in conjunction with the Lexington Police Department and Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at 726 W. Church Street in Lexington, Tennessee, the location of I40 Vape Shop. The search warrant followed complaints alleging the sale of products containing the illegal controlled substance kratom, as well as products containing illegal levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). During the search, agents found numerous products that preliminary testing and identification methods indicated contained kratom and illegal levels of THC. While on scene, management identified another store they were preparing to open that had also been stocked with some of the same items. That store was located at 594 W. Church Street (Vape and More). Management then surrendered more items to agents from the Vape and More location. No arrest has been made at this time as the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to reach out to the 26th Judicial Drug Task Force at 731-423-6000 extension 3944.”
The Lexington Progress, spoke with both Lexington Police Chief Jeff Middleton and Sheriff Brad Atkinson about the raid.
Chief Middleton said the West Tennessee Dangerous Drug Task Force assisted in the investigation because they had the ability to conduct onsite testing of the products in question.
“It is compliance with the laws that are already in place,” Chief Middleton stated. “People don’t realize what they are buying. Just because it says something on a package and it looks like it is official, that is not what we are finding.”
“It is more potent than that package says it is,” Sheriff Atkinson added.
Middleton said that in some cases the products have extremely high levels of THC and other substances and that is why law enforcement are seeing people in the emergency room.
Officers confiscated suspicious products for additional testing, and no charges have been filed. The investigation is ongoing.
