The Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force and the Kentucky State Police Interdiction Team arrested four Bowling Green men for operating an illegal marijuana vape operation.[1] Those arrested were Javon Mitchell, Dayshawn Mitchell, Savyon Howard and George Murray.[1] They were each charged with trafficking in marijuana over five pounds, described as a Class C felony with a gun enhancement, and with engaging in organized crime.[1] All of the individuals were lodged at the Warren County Regional Jail.[2]

Detectives seized 2,146 illegally manufactured marijuana vape products and hundreds of commercial-appearing packaging boxes for the vapes.[2] They also recovered more than two gallons of liquid marijuana extract, which investigators estimated to be the equivalent of approximately 10 pounds of marijuana.[3] Alongside the cannabis materials, officers seized 48 oxycodone tablets, two handguns, a shotgun, $3,489 in cash and a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.[1]

After an eight-week investigation and surveillance operation, detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence at 1407 Calgary Way.[3] When detectives arrived on the scene, the people in the home refused to open the door and officers made a forcible entry, then found a clandestine marijuana vape manufacturing operation running out of the garage.[1] Officials said the products were made in unsanitary, non-sterile conditions not suitable for a consumer product.[1] The agency states this is the first marijuana vape manufacturing operation of its type seen by the task force in its 29-year operation.[2] The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible.[1]