North Huntingdon, PA – Two men were arrested Thursday after an undercover operation at a Lincoln Highway vape shop led investigators to illegal narcotics sales.
The arrests followed an attempted undercover purchase Wednesday involving vapes containing Delta 8, which is illegal in Pennsylvania.
Detectives moved in after the clerk supplied the products and then attempted to hide them.
Key Points
- Undercover officers purchased illegal Delta 8 vapes from a Lincoln Highway shop
- Two men were arrested after a second search warrant uncovered additional illegal items
- Both suspects were arraigned and held on $100,000 bail
The operation was conducted by the Westmoreland County Drug Task Force, county detectives, agents with the Attorney General’s Office, and North Huntingdon Township Police as part of an ongoing investigation into Star Smoke and Vape Shop.
A prior search warrant executed in February resulted in the seizure of more than 600 grams of illegal items that were sent for testing.
During Wednesday’s undercover visit, the clerk behind the counter, identified as Al Merdaie Mohamed, provided officers with Delta 8 vapes before attempting to conceal them when detectives entered.
Employees identified during sting
A second man, El Hacen Mohamed Najem of North Huntingdon, entered the shop during the operation and identified himself as an employee.
Both men were taken into custody at the scene following the attempted purchase and the discovery of additional illegal items.
Investigators said Mohamed told officers he was filling in for a friend at the vape shop when the transaction occurred.
Illegal products seized in renewed search
A second search warrant executed Thursday led investigators to seize Delta 8 products, THCA flower, edibles, and dab wax products.
Both suspects were arraigned on multiple narcotics-related offenses and remanded to the Westmoreland County Prison after failing to post $100,000 bail.
Authorities noted that all charges are accusations and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.