Richmond, VA – The Virginia State Police (VSP) have announced the results of a statewide investigation into illegal drug and weapons activity at vape and electronic cigarette retail establishments. The initiative, called “Operation Magic Dragon,” was requested by Governor Glenn Youngkin after authorities observed an increase in criminal activity surrounding these businesses.
According to the Office of the Governor, the multi-month investigation in western Virginia uncovered extensive illegal activity, including marijuana, marijuana concentrates, THC vape cartridges, THC edibles, cocaine, and firearms. Governor Youngkin stated that the operation demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to keeping communities safe and protecting youth from exposure to criminal activity.
The investigation reported seizures totaling 128.9 kilograms of marijuana, 4.2 kilograms of marijuana concentrate, 4.3 kilograms of THC vape cartridges, 18 kilograms of THC edibles, 73 grams of cocaine, and 21 illegal firearms. In a focused surge operation during one week in September, VSP identified 172 establishments across the Commonwealth involved in criminal activity, resulting in further confiscations of THC products, cocaine, methamphetamine, and psilocybin.
Two seizures in the Roanoke Valley illustrated the scale of the operation. From one retail establishment, authorities seized one kilogram of marijuana, 209 grams of THC vapes, and 161 bags of THC gummies. From a freight distributor, 14 kilograms of marijuana and 2,000 units of nicotine vapes were confiscated. Investigators found that all establishments involved contained illegal drugs or contraband, regardless of whether legal nicotine products were also being sold. Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Marcus Anderson said Operation Magic Dragon is vital for dismantling criminal enterprises that use vape shops to distribute illegal substances. The governor’s office confirmed that the Virginia State Police will continue working with local, state, and federal partners to interdict and disrupt illegal drug trafficking tied to vape retail operations across the Commonwealth.
Photo: Governor.Virginia.gov