“Authorities seize over $100K and 20 pounds of marijuana from Hanover vape shops”
By: Payton Kifus
Five people have been charged after over $100,000 worth of marijuana was seized from Hanover County vape shops on August 27.
The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office’s (HCSO) investigation of eight vape shops resulted in the seizure of more than 20 pounds of marijuana and multiple violations of underage buyer compliance checks.
Earlier this summer, the HCSO began to investigate the illegal sale of marijuana at local vape shops in the county.
In a press release, the HCSO stated that they also ran underage buyer compliance checks at the “majority” of the vape stores throughout the county. Out of the stores that were checked, eleven sold to underage buyers.
According to HCSO, “multiple investigative techniques” led them to establish probable cause. They were issued search warrants for various locations throughout Hanover and Henrico Counties, allowing them to search the premises.
In a recent Board meeting on Aug. 27, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors voted for an amendment that would apply tighter restrictions on new vape shops entering the County, as citizens have come forward raising concerns about the rising number of stores.
In January, the HCSO had also arrested two individuals related to Cloud Smoke and Vape in Mechanicsville for distribution of marijuana, based on evidence recovered at the store.
According to Hanover County, there are currently 22 vape shops operating in the County — excluding the Town of Ashland, which fall under its own zoning laws.
This ordinance amendment now applies new regulations on incoming vape shops such as, restricting new businesses within a mile from any public or private school’s property line, business operation hours limited between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. and new lighting regulations that prohibit bright and highly visible neon or LED lights.
On Aug. 27, 2025, deputies, with the assistance of partners within the Henrico Division of Police, Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration, executed search warrants at 8 locations.
Of the stores searched, six stores were located in Hanover and two were in Henrico. According to the HCSO, the shops were connected to 3 Stars Vape and Tobacco and Habibi Vape and Tobacco.
In total, the search warrants permitted authorities to seize over twenty pounds of marijuana, over $100,000 in U.S. currency and paraphernalia associated with the distribution of marijuana.
Charges for the five individuals involved are related to the felony distribution of marijuana and felony distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school zone.
Metro Creative