Man Arrested, Drugs Seized at James City County Vape Shop

JAMES CITY COUNTY — Police filed charges Wednesday against an employee of a James City County vape shop following a months-long investigation into the illicit sale of marijuana and cannabinoid products, according to the James City County Police Department.

According to officials, agents from the Tri-Rivers Drug Task Force, in collaboration with James City County Police Criminal Investigations and Patrol Units, executed a search warrant at King J Tobacco & Vape shop at 4511 John Tyler Highway and seized several pounds of marijuana and “highly potent” THC cannabinoid products on Jan. 31.

One employee, 26-year-old Basheer Hassan of New York, was present in the shop at the time of the search and was arrested, officials said. Hassan was taken into custody and has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

King J Tobacco & Vape is not licensed to sell marijuana and related products.

Hassan was transported to Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail and was denied bond.

The Tri-Rivers Drug Task Force is composed of investigators from the Virginia State Police, York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, Mathews County Sheriff’s Office, City of Poquoson Police Department, James City County Police Department, and the City of Williamsburg Police Department.

Police said the Task Force initiated the investigation based on multiple complaints received over several months alleging the ongoing illegal sale of marijuana and high-THC-content products, including claims of sales to juveniles that were reported in recent weeks.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming, according to officials. Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activities are strongly encouraged to come forward and submit tips at P3Tips.com.

James City County Police commended the efforts of the Task Force.