Investigation Leads to Search Warrants of Two Unlicensed Vapor Product Businesses in West Olympia

OLYMPIA– On Tuesday, September 13, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) officers served simultaneous search warrants on two unlicensed Vapor and Tobacco Retail stores in the West Olympia area. Both locations had been operating without a license to sell vapor products in violation of RCW 70.345.030.

The first location, LOCHNESS SMOKE SHOP, 2413 Harrison Ave. NW Olympia WA., had been issued an LCB Board order revoking their license on November 17, 2020 as a result of multiple public safety violations. After the Board’s order was served on the licensee, the LCB received several complaints received that the location was still selling age-restricted vapor products without a license. During the investigation into these allegations, there were multiple undercover purchases of age-restricted products from the location. A male subject was taken into custody at the Lochness location and booked for an outstanding warrant for failure to appear.

The second, AUSUM VAPOR, 3225 Harrison Ave. NW, Suite D, Olympia WA. let their licenses lapse. During the re-application process, on August 10, 2022, the Board denied their application due to misrepresentation of fact on the application and for multiple public safety violations. After the Board’s denial of the application, the LCB received several complaints that the location was still selling age-restricted vapor products without a license. During the investigation into these allegations, there were multiple undercover purchases of age-restricted products from the location.

Both search warrants were issued by a Thurston County judge. The LCB officers were assisted by Olympia Police Dept. while serving the search warrants. During the service of the search warrants, officers seized age-restricted products and synthetic THC products which are prohibited in Washington state by Title 69.50.

LCB officers will be recommending charges against the former licensee for the illegal possession and/or distribution of age restricted vapor products which is a felony.

Media Contact: Julie Graham, julie.graham@lcb.wa.gov