Crackdown on drug items set

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, June 21, 2001 | 11:20 a.m.

Convenience store owners would face misdemeanor charges if they sell drug paraphernalia, under an ordinance introduced during Wednesday's meeting of the Las Vegas City Council.

They have already been warned by the city that their liquor licenses will be revoked if they are caught making such sales.

The ordinance was introduced by Mayor Oscar Goodman and will be forwarded to a committee for evaluation. If the committee approves it, the ordinance will come back before the City Council next month for final approval.

The proposed ordinance mirrors state law, which makes it a crime for any person to sell any items reasonably known to be used for drug activities.

In the past month Councilman Lawrence Weekly has pleaded with his fellow council members to support him in his efforts to combat drug use in his ward. He and Metro Police say legal items sold at the stores, such as cut-up scouring pads, single razor blades, and novelty glass vials are actually used to smoke or prepare crack cocaine.

While a majority of the council members last month voted along with Weekly to revoke two liquor licenses of West Las Vegas convenience stores caught with the merchandise, Goodman expressed concern about the legalities.

To make sure store owners throughout the city are given due process and fair warning, Goodman has also drafted a letter putting them on notice that the activities will not be tolerated.

A misdemeanor conviction could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or a jail sentence of up to six months.