Shelby County Raids Three Memphis Smoke Shops
Multi-agency search warrants at three Memphis smoke shops yielded marijuana, khat, kratom, THC gummies, prescription pills and a handgun.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Drug Crime
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The Shelby County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division, SWAT, Homeland Security Investigations and the Memphis Safe Task Force executed search warrants at three Memphis smoke shops on November 10. An arrest warrant has been issued for the store owner, who was not present at any of the locations.
Why it matters
The searches target alleged drug sales through retail smoke shops in Memphis and recovered a range of controlled and unregulated substances along with a firearm. The investigation's outcome could shape how local enforcement approaches similar businesses.
An arrest warrant has been issued for the store owner, who was not present during the searches, while one man was taken into custody at Raw Smokey Mart on charges including possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. The source does not indicate court dates or bail amounts for either person.
The players
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is the law enforcement agency for Shelby County, Tennessee, which includes the city of Memphis.
Homeland Security Investigations
Homeland Security Investigations is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, handling federal criminal investigations.
The details
Investigators executed search warrants at Smokey Mart Store on South Second Street, Raw Smokey Mart on Raleigh-LaGrange Road and a smoke shop on the 500 block of Shellborne Circle. Officials said the man arrested at Raw Smokey Mart was charged with offenses unrelated to the active investigation.
Timeline
November 10, 2026: Search warrants executed at three Memphis smoke shops.
Legal Context
The searches fit a wider enforcement push against unregulated intoxicating products sold through retail smoke shops in Tennessee. Seizures of kratom, THC gummies and khat reflect how such products are now treated as controlled substances in many local jurisdictions.
Residents near the three searched locations on South Second Street, Raleigh-LaGrange Road and Shellborne Circle may notice a continued law enforcement presence while the investigation proceeds. Owners of nearby retail businesses may face closer scrutiny of products they stock.
The takeaway
Anyone buying products from smoke shops should verify whether they are legal under Tennessee law, since many intoxicating items like kratom, khat and THC gummies have faced recent enforcement. Checking a product's legal status before purchase helps avoid unintended legal exposure.
Further reading
For more on local enforcement, see Drug Crime coverage in Memphis.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Actionnews5.
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