Baltimore's Ivan Bates Promises Action Against Unsafe Smoke Shops

In response to growing concerns about the safety of smoke shops in Baltimore, State's Attorney Ivan Bates held a public forum at Digital Harbor High School on Wednesday. The meeting aimed to address alarming reports of young individuals experiencing adverse reactions to products sold in these establishments.

Bates was alerted to the issue by City Councilman Antonio Glover, who highlighted safety concerns in his East Baltimore district. Families have reported that children have been purchasing items from smoke shops that may be contaminated with dangerous substances, including marijuana potentially laced with Fentanyl.

During the forum, Bates shared the troubling accounts he has received from parents regarding their children's health issues after consuming products from these shops. He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to address the illegal activities taking place in these businesses.

“We’re hearing from families about very young people buying things from smoke shops and having negative reactions,” Bates stated. “This is part of a larger 'solutions pact' initiative where we are listening to community concerns and working towards resolutions.”

Bates also referenced a recent arrest made by the Baltimore Police Department involving an individual allegedly carrying a significant amount of marijuana and a weapon, underscoring the type of illegal activity that is occurring in some smoke shops.

Residents expressed frustration over the rapid proliferation of smoke shops in their neighborhoods, questioning the legitimacy of their operations. Beth Hawks, a local business owner, remarked, “These places are opening up overnight. There’s no way they have gone through the necessary permit process.”

The forum followed several incidents related to smoke shops, including a double shooting at Euphoria Smoke Shop last month and a federal investigation earlier this year that targeted the same location.

Bates reiterated that the crackdown on smoke shops is part of broader efforts to enhance public safety in Baltimore. He highlighted the city's commitment to reducing crime and ensuring the safety of its residents, particularly children.

“We’ve worked hard to lower crime rates, but we must now ensure our communities feel safe, especially our children,” Bates stated. “That’s why we’re focusing on smoke shops.”

The discussion also touched on juvenile crime, with Betsy Fox Tolentino from the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services noting progress in reducing certain crime rates while acknowledging that more work is needed.

Bates concluded by mentioning recent legal changes aimed at imposing meaningful consequences on smoke shops engaging in illegal activities, which could lead to closures.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).