Five people are now facing charges following a years-long undercover probe into several vape shops in Lower Burrell.
According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, Balwinder Singh, Asad Faiz, Maulik Thakkar, Hussain Almerdale, and Qasem Almaradeai are all facing drug-related charges after an investigation discovered that the products supplied contained multiple banned narcotics.
The investigation began in 2024, and investigators purchased several items from the Discount Vape and More Shop at the Hillcrest Shopping Center in Lower Burrell.
The items tested positive for marijuana, psilocyn, Delta 8-THC, and Delta 9-THC. Later, investigators returned to the store to determine if they were still selling the same items. Undercover officers bought a mushroom extract THC-A vaporizer and a pre-rolled joint.
Following the purchase, Lower Burrell police and Westmoreland County detectives conducted a search warrant and discovered multiple Schedule I narcotics around the store.
The owners, Singh and Faiz, face drug charges.
Another section of the study focused on the Exxon fueling station on Leechburg Road. Similar to the Hillcrest Shopping Center probe, it was determined that the shop sold marijuana as well as Delta 8 and 9-THC items.
Thakkar, the owner, was later charged with drug charges.
Finally, investigators checked the Burrell Tobacco and Vape Shop for similar reasons. After undercover agents purchased items suspected of containing illegal substances in late 2024, the crime lab of the state police determined that they indeed contain a prohibited concentration of THC.
Almerdale and Almaradeai, the two proprietors, are facing narcotics charges.