Glass pipes are still sold in DeKalb as the local police continue the quest to remove the often used items.

A month ago, DeKalb police traveled to local tobacco shops intent on removing glass pipes it determined to be illegal.

Owners of Smoker’s World, 818 W. Lincoln Highway, quickly sold its inventory at a dramatically reduced rate.

Conversely, the owners of the Huka Corner, 811 W. Lincoln Highway, and TJ’s Accessories, 1220 W. Lincoln Highway, vowed to fight the DeKalb police’s claim they were selling illegal products.

“Everything we sell in here is legal,” said Vince Solano, attorney for TJ’s Accessories.

As per state law, stores selling these pipes must display “For Tobacco use Only” signs. Both were.

Last week, TJ’s Accessories was closed. Attempts to reach the owners or their attorney were unsuccessful.

The conundrum for police arrives when widespread post-purchase misuse exists, like for marijuana and methamphetamines.

Recently, DeKalb police went to the Huka Corner to meet with owner Joel Harb. As the police approached, the tobacco shop owner admitted to be ready for arrest based on the previous confrontation.

“Lt. [Jim] Kayes came in, shook my hand,” Harb said. “I was stunned, I didn’t think we had a problem anymore.”

However, there are still issues needing resolution.

Kayes said, “If owners want to continue selling these glass pipes, I guarantee you I’ll be back to seize them.”

The city’s strategy in removing these products is to declare shops selling glass pipes a “public nuisance,” he said.

The next move will be made by State’s Attorney Ron Matekaitis. He will need to make a judgment on the legality of certain tobacco products being sold in DeKalb.

One of the contested products is “one-hitters,” or small pipes intended for a small amount of tobacco. “We go by what is customary usage, and these are usually used for dope,” Kayes said.