Detroit Gas Station Shut Down By Police For Selling Crack Pipe Kits Reopens

DETROIT (WWJ) - An 8 Mile Road gas station shut down by Detroit Police Chief James Craig after it was caught selling crack pipe kits is back open for business.

Detroit Police Commander Todd Bettison said the owner of the Sunoco station, at 8 Mile and John R, has agreed to certain stipulations — including not stocking any more so-called "set ups" or other drug paraphernalia.

WWJ's Vickie Thomas reports that Craig, tipped off about the crime while conducting drug raids in the city last week, personally slapped a closure notice on the door.

Detroit police say crack pipes are frequently stocked at gas stations, dollar stores and liquor stores disguised as novelty items — such as small glass vases with roses inside — or a ballpoint pens sold in tubes.

In this case, the "set-ups" were paper bags filled with "everything you need to make a crack pipe" —including a glass tube and a filter.

Does Bettison believe the owner has been treated fairly?

"Absolutely I do," Bettison said. "And, as you can see, it was a quick turnaround. He did have due process. It was a hearing within 48 hours and he's back open."

Bettison offered this message for Detroit businesses with such paraphernalia in stock.

"We're gonna take strict enforcement action, and we will shut them down at as well."

Nasser Beydoun, part of the Project Lighthouse safety program for area gas stations, says those shopping for crack pipes will simply cross 8 Mile to the suburbs.

"They're gonna go across the street because you're allowed to sell this stuff that you can't sell in Detroit," he said.

Attorney Troy Otto, who represents the owner, confirmed an agreement had been signed that his client "intends to honor it."

Asked if his client, who had threatened to sue over the closure, still plans to take legal action against the Detroit Police Department, Otto replied:

"The station has reopened and that's all that he's concerned of," he said. "We don't wanna make a media circus. We're open for business and we've accomplished our goal...He's looking forward to a positive relationship in the future."

Bettison urges citizens who believe they see drug paraphernalia for sale in stores to contact police.