BERKELEY COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A months-long investigation into illegal THC product sales at vape shops in the Eastern Panhandle led to multiple raids on April 2, 2025, resulting in significant seizures of cash, products, and firearms.
The investigation began on December 19, 2024, when West Virginia State Police (WVSP) troopers stopped a vehicle in Berkeley County and found raw marijuana purchased from a local vape store.
A second traffic stop in Jefferson County uncovered an illegal vape device also linked to a shop in Martinsburg.
Following these discoveries, Sr. Trooper B.F. Gorondy and Trooper Seabolt launched an investigation with assistance from the WVSP Bureau of Criminal Investigations in Martinsburg (EPDVCTF) and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
Compliance checks revealed that 13 vape shops were selling illegal THC products.
On April 2, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants at vape shops in Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson counties.
Officers recovered approximately $96,987 in cash, $700,000 worth of illegal THC products, six firearms, a Ford Transit van, and a 2025 Lexus SUV.
Agencies involved in the operation included the WVSP, Martinsburg City Police, EPDVCTF, Potomac Highlands Task Force, Charles Town Police Department, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing, and local prosecutors are reviewing the case for potential indictments.
