State and local law enforcement arrested two Columbus residents earlier this month after the two allegedly planned to distribute $18,000 worth of marijuana vape cartridges and other narcotics throughout Lowndes County.
Officers with Columbus Police Department and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office’s joint narcotics task force arrested area boxer Dustin “Big Worm” Nichols, 36, of Highway 45 North, and Whitney Ford, 28, of Waverly Ferry Road, on Oct. 3 for conspiracy to traffic marijuana, according to a task force press release. The day of the arrest, task force agents and investigators with the state Attorney General’s Office executed multiple search warrants which led to their arrests.
The press release said the agents seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of marijuana and 100 tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) vape cartridges. THC is the substance in marijuana that produces the drug’s psychological effects.
Over the past few weeks, as reports of vaping-related illnesses have surfaced all over the country, including five reported cases in Mississippi, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration have linked the illnesses to THC-containing vape products and warned the public not to use those products.
Nichols and Ford are in custody at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center. Nichols’ bond is $15,000 and Ford’s is $10,000. The press release said there may be further charges or arrests as the investigation continues.
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