ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY) — A man was arrested and an investigation is underway after $30,000 worth of drugs and another $30,000 in cash were seized at two vape stores in Elkins.
According to a press release from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were originally called to the Tobacco and Vaper Outlet on Valley Point Drive in Elkins on Tuesday, July 9 for a reported attempted sexual assault. While searching the store, deputies and the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force found a “large bag of suspected marijuana” near the back door as well as other items “indicating the sale of marijuana,” according to deputies.
During a full search of the store, law enforcement found illegal synthetic substances, including Delta 8/9, and a large amount of cash, the release said.
Al Mardai Qasem Salman, 31, was at that store during the search and was arrested.
Deputies then searched the Tobacco & Vape Shop on Harrison Avenue, which is owned by the same person, and seized additional Delta 8/9 products and cash.
In total, approximately $30,000 worth of items were seized from the two stores along with $31,101 in cash, according to the release. Some of the products field tested positive for methamphetamine, deputies said.
Both stores were closed for failure to pay inventory tax on Tuesday, but reopened on Wednesday after the owner back payed the tax.
Salman was charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and is being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on $50,000 cash-only bail. Additional criminal charges are pending, according to Sheriff Rob Elbon, and the case is still under investigation.
Be the first to comment