A major drug investigation is targeting more than a dozen vape shops across the Pittsburgh area.<\/p>\n
Investigators say the stores were illegally selling marijuana and other products.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s really crazy. That shouldn\u2019t be allowed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manuela O\u2019Keefe got her nails done next door to Cloud 9 Smoke and Vape and had no idea that vape store, and more than a dozen others, are being investigated by the state attorney general. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m actually shocked. I thought it was just vapes and tobacco,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
According to agents with the AG\u2019s office, Amer Ahmed owned 15 vape shops spanning from Glenshaw to Bethel Park, up to New Castle, and say he was selling marijuana out of his stores. <\/p>\n
Investigators told Channel 11 that Ahmed is from Pittsburgh and was working with two other men from New York to sell the drugs. <\/p>\n
Those two men were also working as store clerks. <\/p>\n
An undercover agent went into Holy Smokes and Vape on Library Road in Bethel Park and reported that the store was selling THC gummies, pre-rolled marijuana blunts, and leaf marijuana. <\/p>\n
There was also a sign that said \u201cNo Medical Card Required.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cFor younger kids, like high school kids, they can just get them illegally without a card or anything, so that\u2019s scary.\u201d <\/p>\n
Investigators say Ahmed had 15 bank accounts belonging to the vape shops, and the accounts were structured so that every shop transferred its profits to a wholesale company. <\/p>\n
From there, in order to conceal the funds, the company would make large-sum transactions to overseas accounts, individuals, a non-existent vape shop, and a coffee shop in New York.<\/p>\n
Agents say the total amount of money came out to more than $710,000. <\/p>\n
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