Police raid stores suspected of selling drug paraphernalia
By A. Scharnhorst

Jackson County authorities Friday raided 14 businesses, including record
stores, liquor stores and futon shops, looking for illegal drug
paraphernalia.

Kansas City narcotics officers arrested six persons in connection with
the raids, which occurred at 13 stores inside the city limits and at one
Blue Springs business.

County Prosecutor Claire McCaskill said those who were arrested probably
would be interrogated and released. Any charges stemming from the raid
are expected next week.

"Through undercover operations, and frankly through intelligence we've
gathered from people we've learned there are businesses that are
contributing to crack cocaine (abuse) by selling readymade crack
pipes," McCaskill said. "And that's illegal. That's a felony."

Selling Paraphernalia to be used for consumption of illegal drugs is a
Class D felony, she said.

Police received search warrants for the 14 businesses after making
undercover purchases in those stores, officials said.

"When these things were purchased, it was made clear to those the items
that they were being used for narcotics use," said Sgt. David Bosworth.

Police were looking for crack cocaine pipes, scales and small plastic
storage bags, and substances that could be used to lower the purity of
cocaine, she said.

Some of the items could seem innocent enough, authorities said, but the
way they're being marketed and packaged indicates illegal use.

"The only use for (small plastic bags) in the quantities they're being
sold in is for rock cocaine," McCaskill said, "There are way too many
products that are readily available in Jackson County that are used in
aiding and abetting the drug trade."

Earlier this week, county authorities raided businesses that sold
ingredients used in the production of methamphetamine. Some of those
business owners have said they are innocent.