Valero-Branded Site Scrutinized for Selling 'Dope' Pipes
SAN ANTONIO -- An independently operated Valero-branded station here is selling pipes typically used with illegal drugs, despite the petroleum marketer's request they be removed, according to The San Antonio Lightning newspaper.
The store displays the pipes with a handwritten sign indicating they are for tobacco use only. Early in December Valero officials called the selling of the pipes "inappropriate" and warned the proprietors to remove them, the newspaper reported. The pipes were removed temporarily.
When a Lightning photographer began taking photos of the display last week, store employees began removing the pipes from the case, according to the report.
Bill Day, Valero's spokesman, told the newspaper he wasn't aware of the new display and said the store has been warned twice to remove them.
"We have stipulations in our contracts forbidding the sale of drug paraphernalia," Day told CSNews Online. "We've been in touch with this dealer and will continue to monitor the situation."
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The store displays the pipes with a handwritten sign indicating they are for tobacco use only. Early in December Valero officials called the selling of the pipes "inappropriate" and warned the proprietors to remove them, the newspaper reported. The pipes were removed temporarily.
When a Lightning photographer began taking photos of the display last week, store employees began removing the pipes from the case, according to the report.
Bill Day, Valero's spokesman, told the newspaper he wasn't aware of the new display and said the store has been warned twice to remove them.
"We have stipulations in our contracts forbidding the sale of drug paraphernalia," Day told CSNews Online. "We've been in touch with this dealer and will continue to monitor the situation."
Related News:
Valero CEO: Improvement Ahead, Margins Remain Low
ExxonMobil, Valero Give to Charity