HANOVER, Va. — Two men are in custody after a months-long investigation into illegal cannabis sales at vape shops, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office said.

On Nov. 20, investigators executed searches at eight locations across Hanover County, Richmond and Chesterfield County. The searches included these businesses:

– Clay’s Market, 10300 block of Leadbetter Road, Hanover
– Clay Express Mart, 800 block of Clay Street, Richmond
– Clay Market, 1300 block of West Main Street, Richmond
– Clay Mart Vapes, 1200 block of West Broad Street, Richmond

Investigators also searched three homes and one Chesterfield residence:

– 2800 block of Braidwood Road, Richmond
– 2700 block of Grantwood Road, Richmond
– 8300 block of Forest Hill Avenue, North Chesterfield

A storage unit in Richmond (1300 block of W. Main Street) was searched as well. Search warrants were served on five vehicles tied to the probe.

Authorities seized cannabis and U.S. currency during the searches. Mohammed Aramin, 33, of Richmond, and Ihab Aramin, 33, of North Chesterfield, were arrested on charges of cannabis distribution. Mohammed Aramin was also charged with distribution of cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school; additional charges are pending. Both men were transported to and served warrants at the Pamunkey Regional Jail.

The operation came less than a month after Virginia State Police concluded “Operation Magic Dragon,” which targeted illegal drug activity at vape stores across the commonwealth.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

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