ATTORNEY GENERAL DREW WRIGLEY ISSUES CEASE & DESIST ORDERAGAINST SMOKES4LESS IN MINOT

25 Jul ATTORNEY GENERAL DREW WRIGLEY ISSUES CEASE & DESIST ORDERAGAINST SMOKES4LESS IN MINOT

June 18, 2024

_{CONTACT: Suzie Weigel, 701.328.2210}

Bismarck, ND – Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley today issued a Cease & Desist Order against Minot Smoke Shop Inc., its owner Mohammed Wazwaz, and manager Taha Almuhisen, operating the smoke shop “Smokes4Less” located at 301 40th Ave SW in Minot, ND.

The Cease & Desist Order alleges violations of the North Dakota Food, Drug & Cosmetics Act, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, North Dakota’s consumer fraud laws, and the Hemp law.

During a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) undercover operation, employees of “Smokes4Less” sold multiple products that contained marijuana, THC, and substituted tryptamines, which are drugs comparable to psilocin (or psilocybin mushrooms), all of which are Schedule I hallucinogenic controlled substances. Despite the presence of these controlled substances in the products, the labels provide no disclosure or indication of their presence and, in some cases, even falsely represent that the product is legal and free of controlled substances.

The Attorney General’s Cease & Desist Order alleges that “Smokes4Less” is unlawfully selling misbranded and adulterated products. The misleading name, packaging, and description of the products make the products appear legal and harmless. “The mischaracterization of these products causes consumers to unknowingly purchase and consume dangerous psychotropic products,” said Wrigley. “The sale of these products is unlawful, creates a serious risk to the health, wellbeing, and safety of the public, and must stop immediately,” Wrigley added.

Because of labeling to the contrary, the actual ingredients of the products can only be determined through laboratory testing by the BCI Crime Lab. Therefore, a person consuming a product cannot know the effects, safety and legality of what is being consumed. “‘Smokes4Less’ and its management have been directed on multiple occasions to stop selling unlawful products, yet they continue to sell these products and disregard the harm they may cause,” said Wrigley.

“Our BCI and Consumer Protection and Anti-Trust Division will continue to investigate this type of conduct for as long as these unlawful products are being sold anywhere in North Dakota.” Wrigley stated. Anyone with information about ongoing sales of these types of unlawful products anywhere in North Dakota can call the BCI tip line, toll free, at 800-472-2185.

A copy of the Cease & Desist Order is attached.