Maple Valley smoke shop manager accused of selling hard drugs to kids

MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. - The manager of a Maple Valley smoke shop is under arrest after an investigation found that he was allegedly selling alcohol, marijuana and narcotics to underage kids in the area, King County sheriff's officials said.

The investigation began about two months ago after police received numerous complaints about the Cigar Land Smoke Shop in the 22100 block of SE 237th Street in Maple Valley.

During the investigation, undercover detectives were able to purchase prescription pills, marijuana, heroin and cocaine from the 29-year-old store manager, sheriff's officials said.

On Friday, detectives and agents with the state Liquor and Cannabis Board executed a search warrant at the smoke shop and arrested the store manager.

Found inside the business during the search warrant were more narcotics, including cocaine and ecstasy. Marijuana and cannabis-related products were also found, even though the smoke shop is not legally licensed to sell marijuana, sheriff's officials said.

At the time of the manager’s arrest, three minors were in the store attempting to buy tobacco products from him and discussing prices for harder drugs, according to the sheriff's office.

The Liquor Control and Cannabis Board ordered an emergency closure of the business.

The store manager was booked into the King County Jail for investigation of multiple felony narcotics violations.