BUCKHANNON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A major felony arrest operation was executed Wednesday in Upshur County following a year-long, multi-county investigation into illegal THC product sales to underage customers at local vape shops. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force led the operation, with critical support from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Buckhannon Police Department, and West Virginia State Police.
The investigation, sparked by community complaints, uncovered the illegal sale of Delta 8 and Sativa Flower products—both of which contain THC—to individuals under the age of 21. Law enforcement officials conducted coordinated arrests across the region.
Arrested and Charged:
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Thomas D. Thacker of Buckhannon: Three counts of delivery of Delta 8 to minors under 21.
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Larissa R. Bennett of Buckhannon: Two counts of delivery of Delta 8 to minors under 21.
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Fowaz M. Mohamed of New York: Five counts of delivery of Delta 8 to minors under 21.
Outstanding Warrants Issued For:
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Haidara Ahmed of Mauritania, Africa: One count of delivery of Sativa Flower to minors under 21.
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Khaled Abuhashem of New York: Three counts of delivery of Delta 8 to minors under 21.
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Yuosef Saleh Alis Ahmed of New York: One count of delivery of Sativa Flower to minors under 21.
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Loni J. Scott of Buckhannon: Two counts of delivery of Delta 8 to minors under 21.
All individuals are charged under the Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act, Chapter 19-12E-12(q) of the West Virginia Criminal Code.
Authorities remind the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force is a collaborative agency composed of officers from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Buckhannon Police Department, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Elkins Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police.
Officials say the operation marks a significant step in protecting youth from illegal drug exposure and holding violators accountable.
