Key Points
- Underage sales: On July 22–23, deputies sent 16–19-year-old decoys to 13 vape shops; 11 stores sold without checking ID, each receiving a $50 civil fine.
- Marijuana trafficking probe: On Aug 27, five arrests were made tied to alleged distribution; investigators seized 20+ pounds of marijuana (>$100,000).
- Total enforcement actions: 16 people charged across July–August investigations.
- Ongoing compliance checks: HCSO says some violators are repeat offenders despite prior warnings.
- Zoning update: Board of Supervisors approved new siting rules for future vape shops near schools/parks; 22 existing shops exempt.
2Firsts, Sep 9, 2025 — The Hanover County (the United State) Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has ramped up actions targeting illegal activity at local vape shops, charging 16 individuals over July and August and uncovering widespread noncompliance with age-verification rules.
Underage compliance checks (July 22–23). HCSO’s Special Investigative Unit deployed 16–19-year-old decoys to 13 shops; 11 completed sales without verifying that buyers were 21+, resulting in $50 civil fines for each offending store.
- Locations checked included the 9200 block of Chamberlayne Rd (Tobacco Hut);
- 7200 and 100 blocks of Mechanicsville Turnpike (Carytown Tobacco);
- 6300 Mechanicsville Turnpike (Native Smoke);
- 6900 Cold Harbor Rd (RVA Vape and Tobacco);
- 10300 Leadbetter Rd (Clay’s Market);
- 600 England St (Tobacco Hut);
- 16100 Washington Hwy (Tobacco Villa);
- 100 Junction Dr (Ash Tobacco);
- 200 N. Washington Hwy (Fantasy Vape);
- and 100 Hill Carter Pkwy (Tobacco and Vape).
Criminal investigation (August). Following tips that some shops were openly selling marijuana, undercover deputies developed leads across multiple stores and—working with Henrico Police—executed warrants. On Aug 27, HCSO announced five arrests tied to alleged marijuana distribution:
Yousef Alia Al-Jahm, 26: 18.2-248.1 (Distribution >1 oz), 18.2-255.2 (Distribution within 1,000 ft of a school)
Shashwat Goswami, 27: 18.2-248.1 (Distribution >1 oz)
Yunes Ali Mohammed Al-Jahm, 21: 18.2-256/18.2-248.1 (Conspiracy to distribute >1 oz)
Crystal Patricia Espinal, 31: 18.2-248.1 (Distribution >1 oz), 18.2-255.2 (School zone)
Apeksha Oli, 24: 18.2-248.1 (Distribution >1 oz)
Deputies seized more than 20 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value exceeding $100,000. HCSO noted this is the second investigation of its kind this year and said some cited retailers are repeat offenders. “We want these vape shops to run a clean business and check IDs,” said Sgt. Steve Wills, adding that investigators are also encountering marijuana vape pens in the retail mix.
In August, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors approved new location restrictions for future vape shops—aimed at curbing proximity to schools, parks, and clustering—while grandfathering the county’s 22 existing shops.
HCSO said compliance checks will continue on a regular basis, sometimes with advance warnings to encourage adherence, though the agency reports these notices have had limited impact.
