Detectives from the Fairfax County Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau announced on Mar. 25 that they executed search warrants at twenty locations across Fairfax and Prince William counties, arresting three men as part of a large-scale operation targeting a regional drug trafficking organization linked to vape stores.
The investigation is significant due to the amount of narcotics seized and the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies. Authorities said their efforts have disrupted an illegal network distributing marijuana and other substances through local vape shops.
According to police, search warrants were carried out on March 18 at thirteen vape stores, two storage units, one vehicle, one warehouse in Fairfax County, and three residences in Prince William County. The operation resulted in the seizure of marijuana products including flowers, vape cartridges, pre-rolls, edibles, approximately forty pounds of suspected mushroom-infused gummies, unknown pills, and prescription medications allegedly sold without authorization. Detectives also found hundreds of pounds of marijuana stored in two storage units.
The Arlington County Police Department conducted six additional searches with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Virginia State Police. In total, detectives confiscated narcotics valued at over two million dollars on the street and more than $500,000 in cash. Thirty bank accounts tied to the organization were frozen with balances exceeding $100,000.
Three Woodbridge residents—Omar Salim (65), Saleh Salim (36), and Saed Salim (39)—were charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. All three were transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center before being released on bond ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.
Police reported that further evidence was recovered during a subsequent search at Saleh Salim’s residence on March 21 in Prince William County where firearms were found. Authorities encourage anyone with information about this case to contact their Major Crimes Bureau or submit anonymous tips for possible rewards.
