Detectives are searching vape shops in Westmoreland County accused of selling illegal THC products

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GREENSBURG, Pa. – Westmoreland County detectives, along with undercover agents from several local police departments, have executed search warrants at three vape shops as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale of illegal THC products. The coordinated raids targeted stores in Hempfield Township, Delmont and Latrobe following undercover purchases of illegal substances.

According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office, the investigation began after students from local school districts were reportedly caught with THC vape cartridges that they had purchased from area stores. Under Pennsylvania law, the sale and consumption of Delta-8 products and Delta-9 products with a THC concentration of over 3% is illegal, and buyers must be over 21 years of age to legally purchase compliant Delta-9 items to buy.

Working with undercover officers from the Penn Township, Delmont and Latrobe police departments, investigators conducted a series of undercover purchases at various vape stores over the past few months. During these operations, authorities confiscated products containing illegal levels of delta-8 and delta-9, as well as pre-rolled joints that tested positive for marijuana.

Target locations included Vape & Smoke City on Route 30 in Hempfield Township, EZ Tobacco & Vape in Delmont and The Vape Escape in Latrobe. In addition to selling illegal products, detectives discovered that the operators of EZ Tobacco & Vape appeared to be living on the premises in violation of local rules and regulations.

Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli expressed frustration and mentioned a similar approach two years ago. “I had hoped that the last raid we conducted two years ago on several vape shops in the area was enough of a warning to owners to remove illegal products, but I was wrong,” Ziccarelli explained . “To those who choose to sell these illegal products not only to adults but also to our youth: listen to me now, we will continue to investigate and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

The investigation is ongoing and authorities are expected to release more details as they continue to examine the seized products and file possible charges against those involved.