Man arrested following drug bust at two West Virginia vape shops

RANDOLPH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – One man has been arrested following a drug bust and seizure of $30,000 in illegal substances at two West Virginia vape shops.

According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at approximately 2:30 PM, the RCSO, supported by the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, executed a search warrant at 95 Valley Pointe Drive, known as the Tobacco and Vapor Outlet, in connection with an earlier attempted sexual assault.

During the search, officers discovered a large bag of suspected marijuana near the rear entrance.

Additional evidence, including scales and other items, suggested the sale of marijuana.

A search warrant was obtained, and officers seized various illegal substances, including Delta 8/9 products and other federally banned synthetics.

A significant amount of U.S. currency was also confiscated.

Al Mardai Qasem Salman was arrested at the Valley Pointe location for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

The investigation then extended to the Vape Shop at 1501 Harrison Avenue, owned by the same individual as the Valley Pointe store.

With illegal items visible, officers secured a search warrant and seized more Delta 8/9 products and additional cash.

The street value of the seized items was approximately $30,000, and the cash totaled $31,101.

Some products tested positive for methamphetamine.

Both stores were closed for failing to pay inventory tax under West Virginia code 11A-2-1.

After the owner paid the back taxes on July 10, 2024, the stores were permitted to reopen that afternoon.

The case remains under investigation, with further criminal charges pending.

The operation involved officers from the Sheriff’s Office, WV State Police, Elkins Police Department, and the WV Department of Agriculture.

Salman is currently at Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.