Lexington police seize 600+ pounds of marijuana, $210K in vape shop drug bust

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington police say they’ve seized more than 600 pounds of marijuana and hemp flower following a series of raids at local vape shops earlier this week.

According to the Lexington Police Department, detectives with the Narcotics Enforcement Unit executed search warrants on August 6, 2025, at four different vape shop locations suspected of trafficking in illegal marijuana and hemp products.

In total, officers confiscated 620 pounds of marijuana/hemp flower, more than $210,000 in cash, several firearms, and various illegal THC products.

Four individuals have been charged with Trafficking Hemp > 5 lbs (1st Offense):

• Ali Mazab

• Sunil Bhattarai

• Virginia Bates

• Sammy Whitaker Jr.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call Lexington Police at (859) 258-3600 or submit an anonymous tip to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at (859) 253-2020 or online at bluegrasscrimestoppers.com.