Deputies from Mahoning County took part in breaking up what authorities say was an operation trafficking THC infused candy, cereal, and other drugs throughout Northern Ohio.

Last Thursday,  agents from the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office joined other deputies as well as the Akron Police Department’s Narcotics Unit, the DEA, FBI, US Marshals, and State Troopers serving eight search warrants during an operation called “Operation Vapor Trail”.

The search turned up 18 guns, 774 lbs. of marijuana, 422 lbs. of edibles, 1143 lbs. of THC vapes, 203 lbs. of shatter/wax/dabs, and over $250,000 in cash, according to US Attorney Justin Herdman.

Some of the edibles seized included children’s cereal that had been infused with liquid THC, repackaged, and sold, that authorities say could create a substantial risk to unsuspecting children.

“The defendants in this case allegedly went to great lengths to market, sell and transport marijuana and THC products, often designed to look like candies and cereals, to their customers in the Northern District and across the country,” said Herdman.

In February of last year, Akron Police began an investigation into 40-year-old Christopher Mitchell after someone claimed he was selling pot, THC vapes and edibles from his vape store Dubba Bubbas at 1252 E Tallmadge in Akron.

Narcotics officers say Demarco Jones, 24, was one of Mitchell’s primary sources of supply and was involved in illegal activities that stretched across Summit, Portage, Medina and Stark Counties.

The Task Force served three federal arrest warrants and eight search warrants in Summit and Stark Counties.

Authorities arrested George May, 22, of Tallmadge, Tyrone Keith, 44, of Canton, and Demarco Jones, 24, of Canal Fulton. Also arrested on a state charge was DaShawn Jones, 45, of Kenmore.

“The suspects arrested in this operation are a threat to our community, as are the 18 guns, which were illegally possessed, and thousands of pounds of drugs” said Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball II.