The former Smoke Shop that was shut down by federal authorities in a law enforcement operation will get a makeover in downtown Kingman Thursday. Deputy Kingman Police Chief Rusty Cooper said some city staff members and local merchants will repaint the building a sandstone color.
Cooper said some feel that the green and orange color scheme rendered the building at 417 Beale Street an eyesore. He said others want to change its look due a stigma associated with the enterprise that sold pipes and products used to smoke marijuana.
The DEA shut down the Smoke Shop when its owners, Ray Smith and Tamara Phillips, were indicted and arrested in February, 2016. Smith and Phillips were charged with illegal drug trafficking and money laundering.
Federal authorities alleged illegal sale of the controlled substance commonly called “spice” from the Kingman business and other smoke shops that Smith owned and operated in New Mexico.
“The estimated aggregate value of the real property, currency and other assets seized on February 18, 2016 exceeds $2.3-million, including approximately $220,000 in cash,” a DEA news release stated. “The agents and officers also seized approximately 11 kilograms of precursor chemicals allegedly shipped from China in the primary residence of Smith and Phillips. In addition, approximately 25 kilograms of suspected spice with a street value of $250,000 was seized from the stores and the residence of Smith and Phillips.”
Cooper said the Smoke Shop has been forfeited to the U.S. Marshals Office and will be placed on the market for sale. He said federal authorities have granted permission for the Thursday paint party.
