Pipes shown to jurors in drug paraphernalia trial
Prosecutors showed several colorful blown-glass pipes in assorted shapes and sizes to Cleveland County jurors Wednesday as evidence they said The Friendly Market did not sell tobacco accessories, but instead drug paraphernalia.
The exhibits included a 2-foot-tall water pipe made of swirling amber and clear glass that police seized in a raid in 2015 at the nowclosed store.
Detective Dakota Cook testified the tall glass pipe was a “bong” designed for smoking marijuana.
Other items seized at The Friendly Market included a sticker featuring a marijuana leaf logo that advertised a company that manufactures marijuana pipes.”
No drugs were found in the raid. Cook conducted two undercover purchases from the business in 2015 beforethe police raid. Items Cook said he purchased included a white and clear glass “hand-pipe” that featured a psychedelic LED light that makes the pipe change colors when smoked.
“It looks like a basic marijuana pipe that I had seen many times before,” Cook testified, after holding the pipe up for jurors to see.
Attorneys for former store owner Robert Cox and Norman City Councilman Stephen Tyler Holman, who managed the store, claim the pipes are not illegal and can be used to smoke tobacco and other legal substances. The two each face a felony charge of acquiring proceeds from drug activity, as well as misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Holman’s attorney, Brecken Wagner, picked up the 2-foot-tall water pipe and held it up to Cook.
“If I take this and put marijuana in it, that would be an illegal item right?” Wagner asked. Cook agreed. “If I take that same item and I put tobacco in it, am I guilty of a crime?” Wagner asked.
“I believe so, yes, sir,” Cook replied.
Later, Wagner created a loud clatter of glass in the courtroom while handling some of the exhibits.
“You break it, you buy it,” District Court Judge Tracy Schumacher quipped.
“I don’t believe I’m allowed to, your honor,” Wagner replied, sparking laughter in the courtroom.