Vape shop raids land 60 pounds of marijuana flower, worth more than $150k

Henrico Police arrested eight people as a result of last Friday's raids on local vape shops, in which 10 search warrants were executed across the region.

The effort was part of a nationwide push to crack down on illegal products being sold at vape shops.

"We are seeing more and more illicit activity in vape shops across the city," Mayor Danny Avula said on Wednesday. "We are seeing more drug activity. Folks who work at vape shops are feeling like they've got to arm themselves. We've had a number of assaults and robberies taking place in vape shops across the city, and then the marketing to kids we know is also extremely harmful."

At least five Richmond-area vape shops raided as industry comes under scrutiny nationally

Richmond officials have shown concern about the proliferation of vape shops across the city in recent years.

The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong

According to Henrico Police, Friday's searches resulted in more than 60 pounds of marijuana flower (worth over $150,000), more than 12 pounds of THC edibles, approximately $100,000 in cash, multiple firearms and vehicles.

“This crime trend is not unique to Henrico County, but rather a nationwide issue,” Henrico County Chief of Police Eric D. English wrote in a press release. “Our sworn personnel across many units are heavily involved in finding ways to not only prevent these crimes from happening but enforcing the law and charging those responsible.”

Chesterfield County conducted similar raids last week as well.

According to Henrico Police, the following locations were targeted by its officers:

• The Simpson Smoke Shop – 7037 Staples Mill Rd (Henrico County)
• ZAZA Puff Palace – 3078 Hull Street Rd (Richmond City)
• ZAZA Wonderland – 3927 Hull Street Rd (Richmond City)
• ZAZA R US – 1838 E. Nine Mile Rd (Henrico County)
• Gas City – 1806 Fairmount Ave (Richmond City)
• Four residences in Henrico and Chesterfield counties
• One storage unit on Springfield Rd in Henrico County