Crackdown planned on stores selling items used with drugs

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, June 7, 2001 | 11:39 a.m.

Store owners holding a city of Las Vegas privileged liquor license will soon be receiving a letter warning that they could be in violation of state law if they continue to sell certain items.

The City Council Wednesday approved a letter that will be sent to the owners through certified mail. It informs them that if they are caught by the city's Business Licensing Department selling items deemed to be drug paraphernalia -- scouring coils, single razor blades and single cigarettes -- their license will be in jeopardy.

"State law makes it a felony for a person to sell, or possess with intent to sell, any drug paraphernalia ... where one would reasonably know that it will be used to prepare, pack, store, ingest or inhale a controlled substance," the letter reads in part.

The letter, though, is just the first step in the battle with store owners -- especially in West Las Vegas -- who for years have been allowed to sell legal items behind the counter, which Metro Police say are used for drug activities.

Pointing out that the city's business licensing staff are not peace officers, City Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald said if the city is intent on stopping the sale of the items, Metro Police has to get involved.

"What is Metro's commitment?" Boggs McDonald said. "Can we truly arrest someone for selling something that is legal?"

Mayor Oscar Goodman said he is meeting with Metro representatives Monday to discuss how to enforce the contents in the letter.

"We're not there to abuse anyone's rights," Goodman said. "But we have to start somewhere.'

Councilman Lawrence Weekly said he has been called a racist for trying to stop the sale of the items in West Las Vegas -- where there are many minorities. It is in his ward where stores are selling the items, he said.

Last month he led votes to deny liquor licenses for two convenience store owners who were caught selling the items in his ward.