WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Pounds of synthetic opioids, seven guns and $20,000 in cash were found after a search warrant and seizure was carried out at two vape shops in Williamsburg on Wednesday, as well as the shop owner’s home in James City County.
According to the City of Williamsburg, investigators with the Williamsburg Police Department carried out a search warrant at Paradise Tobacco and Vape at 1457 Richmond Road, and at Alpha Smoke Shop at 226 Monticello Avenue around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27.
Police said the initial two search warrants led to a third search warrant at the suspect’s home in the 900 block of Pheasant Run in James City County.
Investigators seized pounds of synthetic opioids, specifically tianeptine commonly referred to as “gas station heroin,” pounds of marijuana in various forms, around 100 psilocybin bars, seven guns, including three AR-15 style rifles, and roughly $20,000 in cash.
According to police, the business owner, 29-year-old Islam Sbaih, was at one of the tobacco and vape shops and was arrested and charged with the following:
- one felony count of possession with intent to distribute a schedule I or II substance
- one felony count of possession with intent to distribute up to 5 pounds of marijuana
- two felony counts of possession of a firearm while committing narcotics violations
An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Police ask anyone with information to contact Investigator Steve Roberts at 757-220-2331.
