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.

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, the 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.”

According to Henrico Police, the following locations were targeted:

• 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