U.S. Virginia’s “Operation Magic Dragon” Targets 172 Vape Shops

Oct.31

Virginia State Police (VSP) launched “Operation Magic Dragon,” identifying 172 businesses allegedly selling marijuana and related products via vape shops. The multi-month probe uncovered cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin and illegal firearms. Western VA seizures included 128.9 kg marijuana and 4.3 kg THC vapes; two Roanoke County raids hit a retail site and a freight distributor. Governor Glenn Youngkin vowed decisive enforcement.

Key Highlights

VSP’s Operation Magic Dragon identified 172 businesses statewide.
Probe uncovered cocaine, meth, psilocybin and illegal firearms.
Western VA seizures: 128.9 kg marijuana, 4.3 kg THC vapes, 18 kg edibles.
Roanoke County: retail site and freight distributor seized; 2,000 nicotine vapes.
Youngkin: decisive enforcement to protect communities and youth.

2Firsts, October 31, 2025 — According to the Commonwealth and Virginia State Police (VSP), “Operation Magic Dragon” is a large-scale investigation into vape shops illegally selling marijuana and marijuana products, with 172 businesses identified across Virginia. The months-long probe also uncovered cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin, and illegal firearms.

In western Virginia, seizures included: 128.9 kg marijuana (valued $1,289,740), 4.2 kg marijuana concentrate ($43,810), 4.3 kg THC vape cartridges ($173,440), 18 kg THC edibles ($181,200), 73 g cocaine ($8,322), and 21 illegal firearms ($10,500).

In Roanoke County, two raids produced detailed hauls:

From a retail establishment: 1 kg marijuana ($12,150), 209 g THC vapes ($6,270), 161 bags of THC gummies ($3,220).

From a freight distributor: 14 kg marijuana ($144,000), 2,000 nicotine vapes ($60,000).

Governor Glenn Youngkin said, “When illegal drugs, firearms, and organized criminal activity infiltrate retail businesses frequented by the public—including youth—Virginia will respond with decisive enforcement and unwavering accountability… When we empower law enforcement, Virginia is safer.”

Image source: Virginia State Police

References:

[1] Virginia targets 172 vape shops for illegal marijuana sales

Also Read:

[1] Newport News, Virginia, USA, has passed new regulations requiring new e-cigarette shops to be approximately 610 meters away from schools

[2] Henrico County, Virginia Cracks Down on Illegal Vape Shops, Citing Threats to Public Health and Youth Safety

[3] Spotsylvania County to Update Zoning Regulations and Design Standards

[4] Emergency Room Visits Double in Virginia Due to E-Cigarettes

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