Full Notification

P.O.P. Team Conducts Under Cover Operations, Targets Butane Sales.

On Friday, March 11th 2016, the Anderson P.D.’s Problem Oriented Policing unit (POP) began targeting unlawful butane sales in an effort to combat clandestine Butane Honey Oil (BHO) Labs. Three businesses were visited by undercover POP investigators in an attempt to test compliance with a new City Ordinance that was effective December 2015.

Since December 2015, the City of Anderson, Code Enforcement division has worked diligently to educate local businesses regarding the new restrictions on the sale and re-sale of Butane. The City of Anderson authored the ordinance to deter BHO Labs and the serious dangers they present to the community.

Out of three businesses visited by the POP unit, “Smoke for Less”, located in the 5000 block of Rhonda Road, knowingly made an unlawful sale of refined butane to an undercover POP investigator. The seller, 48 year old, Deepak Bhandari, was issued a misdemeanor criminal citation for violating section 9.17.040 of the Anderson Municipal Code. The other two businesses that were visited were inspected and provided with literature and/or education regarding the ordinance.

The Problem Oriented Policing unit is committed to proactive enforcement and holding offenders accountable through community policing. Any questions can be directed to Lt. Rocky Harpham or Sgt. Casey Day.