GREENSBURG, Pa. — Westmoreland County detectives, along with undercover officers from several local police departments, 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 illicit 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 obtained from shops in the area. Under Pennsylvania law, Delta 8 products and Delta 9 products with a THC concentration over 3% are illegal to sell and consume, and buyers must be over the age of 21 to legally purchase compliant Delta 9 items.
Detectives, working with undercover officers from the Penn Township, Delmont, and Latrobe Police Departments, conducted a series of undercover buys over recent months at various vape stores. During these operations, authorities obtained products containing illegal Delta 8 and Delta 9 concentrations and pre-rolled joints that tested positive for marijuana.
The targeted 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 the sale of illegal products, county detectives discovered that the operators of EZ Tobacco & Vape appeared to be living on the premises, in violation of local codes and ordinances.
Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli expressed her frustration, noting a similar crackdown two years ago. “I was hopeful that the last raid we performed 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 stated. “To those who choose to sell these illegal products not only to adults, but to our youth, hear me now, we will continue to investigate and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation remains active, and authorities are expected to release further details as they continue to examine the seized products and pursue potential charges against those involved.
