JAMES CITY COUNTY — Two people were arrested Thursday after James City County police searched two vape shops as part of an ongoing drug investigation.
Police executed search warrants Aug. 20 at businesses in the 7800 block of Richmond Road and the 4500 block of John Tyler Highway. The department did not identify the shops. Officers seized “large quantities” of illegal THC and marijuana products that police said were packaged for retail sale.
The investigation began after police received complaints about vape shops in the county, including allegations of sales of nicotine products to minors and illegal narcotics, according to the James City County Police Department.
Undercover officers made multiple purchases of THC products from the businesses during the investigation, police said.
One employee was present at each business when the search warrants were executed, according to police. They were identified as Mohammed Abdullah Moi Ateik, 28, of Toano, and Akeed Ali Ahmed Aziz, 36, of Detroit, Michigan.
Police said both men previously sold marijuana and THC products to undercover officers. Each was charged with possession with intent to distribute and is being held without bond at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
Federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted with the operation. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues, police said.
