Fairfax County Police Department stated in a statement on Tuesday that detectives dismantled a regional drug trafficking organization operating vape stores after carrying out a large-scale operation across Fairfax and Prince William counties. Three males from Woodbridge were arrested and charged in the case.
Police said detectives executed search warrants on March 18 at 20 locations, including 13 vape stores, two storage units, one vehicle, one warehouse in Fairfax County, and three residences in Prince William County. Authorities said Arlington County police detectives also executed six additional search warrants with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Virginia State Police.
Investigators said they seized a vehicle and suspected illicit substances, including marijuana flower, vape cartridges, pre-rolls, edibles, about 40 pounds of suspected mushroom-infused gummies, unknown pills, and suspected prescription medications allegedly being sold without authorization. Detectives also said they found two storage units containing hundreds of pounds of marijuana.
According to police, the operation led to the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of more than $2 million, along with more than $500,000 in cash. Detectives also said they seized and froze 30 bank accounts linked to the organization that held more than $100,000.
Police identified the three men arrested as Omar Salim, 65, Saleh Salim, 36, and Saed Salim, 39, all of Woodbridge. Authorities said all three were charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Omar Salim and Saleh Salim were later released on $5,000 bond, while Saed Salim was released on $50,000 bond.
The department said search warrants were served at multiple Tobacco King locations in Centreville, Fair Lakes, Legato, Merrifield, Seven Corners, Springfield, and Newington, as well as Potomac Vape in Lorton.
Police said detectives executed an additional search warrant on March 21 at Saleh Salim’s residence in Prince William County, where they recovered two rifles, four handguns, and other evidence.
Fairfax County police said the investigation involved local, state, and federal agencies, including Arlington County police, the DEA, Virginia State Police, Prince William County police, Manassas police, Manassas Park police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Vienna police, Fairfax City police, and the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations.
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