More than $2 million in narcotics were seized by law enforcement earlier this month after a “regional drug trafficking organization” was found to be operating 13 vape stores in Fairfax County.
Hundreds of pounds of marijuana, as well as approximately 40 pounds of suspected mushroom-infused gummies, unknown pills and more were among the items recovered, the Fairfax County Police Department announced yesterday (Wednesday).
“If I had to describe the current state of tobacco [and] vape shops — not just here in Fairfax County, but in the entire national capital region — I would describe [them] as dens of ill repute and hives of corruption,” FCPD Chief Kevin Davis said.
On March 18, FCPD detectives executed search warrants at 13 vape stores in Fairfax County, as well as two local storage units, one vehicle and one warehouse.
The investigation into the vape shops began in 2024, police said.
“We know that our young people know that they can walk in to a tobacco/vape shop, they don’t have to conceal their identity, they don’t have to conceal their age, and they can purchase marijuana,” Davis said. “The distribution of that marijuana is still a crime.”
Three Woodbridge men were ultimately taken into custody as part of the raids: 65-year-old Omar Salim, 36-year-old Saleh Salim and 39-year-old Saed Salim. Each was charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering — both felonies.
“The detectives’ dedication and thorough investigative work were key to disrupting this illegal drug trafficking organization,” FCPD said in a statement. “Their efforts have significantly impacted the flow of illegal narcotics in our community and reflect our continued commitment to keeping Fairfax County safe through proactive enforcement.”
According to online court records, each of the three men will appear in Fairfax County General District Court in June for preliminary hearings.
If convicted, they could each face a maximum of 20 years in prison under state law.
“Not only are they selling tobacco left and right to underage kids, but they’re also distributing marijuana,” Davis said, “and our [undercover officers] have purchased marijuana from these tobacco/vape shops.”
In July 2021, Virginia became the first state in the south to legalize the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for people 21 and older, but sales of the drug remain illegal. The General Assembly sent a bill to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk this year that would allow retail sales starting on Jan. 1, 2027.
Photos via Fairfax County Police/Flickr
