By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Richmond closed 18 vape shops after inspections found 274 violations.
- Enforcement seized 31 illegal firearms, 100+ pounds of marijuana/THC, and $60,000+ in cash.
- Operation Vaporize uses code enforcement and criminal warrants to address illegal activity.
Officials in Richmond, Virginia, have shut down 18 vape shops after coordinated inspections uncovered widespread zoning, building, and safety violations, as well as illegal firearms, drugs, and illicit cash, as part of a citywide enforcement initiative called “Operation Vaporize.”
The operation was formally announced on Dec. 19 by Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, Chief Rick Edwards, Richmond Police Department, and Kevin Vonck, director of Planning and Development Review for the City of Richmond, at a City Hall press conference.
According to the City of Richmond, Operation Vaporize is a multi-departmental effort to enforce zoning, building, and health and safety code compliance at vape shop retail establishments. The initiative operates under existing authorities, including Code of Virginia §15.2-907 and Richmond City Code §11-155, and brings together inspection teams from the Richmond Police Department, Fire Department, Planning and Development Review, Zoning, and Finance.
City officials said inspection teams conduct routine compliance checks and issue violations when businesses fail to meet regulatory requirements. When inspections uncover evidence of suspected criminal activity, Richmond Police seek judicially authorized search warrants.
As of the announcement, Operation Vaporize had achieved the following results:
- 30 vape shops inspected
- 274 violations issued
- 18 businesses placarded and closed
- 17 RPD-led search warrants executed
- 31 illegal firearms recovered
- More than 100 pounds of bulk marijuana and illegal THC products seized
- Over $60,000 in illicit currency seized
The city said the 18 closed businesses were placarded and ordered to cease operations until they achieve full compliance with zoning, building, and health and safety requirements.
Mayor Avula said the initiative reflects a public-health-driven enforcement strategy.
“Protecting the health and safety of our community, especially our young people, is non-negotiable,” Avula said. “As a public health doctor and dad, I know the risks illegal vape products pose. Most businesses follow the rules. For those who choose not to, we will enforce our codes to keep Richmond families safe.”
Chief Edwards said the operation reflects a sustained, coordinated enforcement strategy rather than isolated police actions.
“I appreciate all the good work done by the folks from the Richmond Police Department and departments across the city to address the issues created by vape shops operating illegally,” Edwards said. “We will continue to press our multi-prong approach and look forward to continued success with our partners.”
Vonck emphasized that the city’s enforcement efforts focus on compliance, not blanket closures, and that officials are willing to work with business owners to correct violations.
“To protect the health and safety of all our residents, the City has an obligation to ensure all businesses are both zoning and building code compliant,” Vonck said. “We are willing to educate and work with owners on how to correct violations in a timely manner.”
City officials noted that not all of the 18 shuttered shops are expected to remain closed permanently. Businesses that correct cited violations and meet all applicable requirements may be eligible to reopen, while those that fail to comply may face additional enforcement action.
Operation Vaporize is part of a broader effort by Richmond and neighboring jurisdictions to address concerns about the rapid growth of vape and smoke shops, particularly youth exposure, regulatory compliance, and public safety. Officials said inspections and enforcement actions under the initiative are ongoing.
