Eight people were arrested and more than 60 pounds of marijuana seized during coordinated raids on vape shops, a storage unit and residences across the Richmond area, Henrico County police said Wednesday. The raids, conducted with Richmond and Chesterfield police, also uncovered THC edibles and firearms, and authorities impounded several vehicles as part of the investigation. 

The searches targeted multiple vape stores suspected of illegally selling marijuana and other illegal substances, including The Simpson Smoke Shop in Henrico, ZAZA Puff Palace and ZAZA Wonderland in Richmond, ZAZA R US in Henrico and Gas City in Richmond. Authorities also searched four residences in Henrico and Chesterfield counties and a storage unit on Springfield Road in Henrico. 

“This crime trend is not unique to Henrico County, but rather a nationwide issue,” Henrico Chief of Police Eric D. English said in a statement announcing the arrests. 

Chief English

 

The raids come after years of scrutiny of vape shops and the broader vaping industry both nationally and locally. Richmond, have repeatedly raised concerns about the number of smoke shops in the region, their failure to comply with regulations and the potential risks to children and teens. Chesterfield and Henrico officials 

“One of our biggest concerns is our youth coming into possession of this product,” English said. “We do have cases, dating back to 2024, where minors have broken into a vape shop, stole illicit product and then sold it to their peers.” 

These criticisms prompted the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors to restrict new shops in 2023, with similar measures approved by the Henrico Board of Supervisors in 2024 and Richmond City Council in July. Henrico officials have also barred vape shops from the county’s investment program funds and are exploring ways to better regulate stores, including a task force to audit for illegal activity. 

One individual remains at large, and further indictments are possible, according to Henrico police, signaling that the investigation is ongoing.