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GREENSBURG, Pa. — Westmoreland County detectives, along with undercover officers from several local police departments, executed search warrants at three vaping stores as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale of illegal products at THC base. The coordinated raids targeted stores in Hempfield Township, Delmont and Latrobe following clandestine purchases of illicit substances.

According to the Westmoreland County Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation began after students in local school districts were allegedly caught possessing THC vape cartridges obtained from area stores. Under Pennsylvania law, Delta 8 and Delta 9 products with a THC concentration greater than 3% are illegal to sell and consume, and buyers must be over 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 the past several months at various vaping stores. During these operations, authorities obtained products containing illegal concentrations of Delta 8 and Delta 9 and pre-rolled joints that tested positive for marijuana.

Locations targeted 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 Prosecutor Nicole W. Ziccarelli expressed frustration, pointing to a similar crackdown two years ago. “I was hoping that the last raid we conducted two years ago on several area vape stores was enough to warn the owners to remove the illegal products, but I was wrong,” Ziccarelli said. “To those who choose to sell these illegal products not only to adults, but also to our youth, listen to 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 more details as they continue to review the seized products and pursue potential charges against those involved.