United States

Marshals Seeking Fugitive in NW DC Find Large Marijuana Operation, Including Vape Cartridges

U.S. marshals looking for a fugitive in Northwest D.C. came across what police describe as a large-scale marijuana-dealing operation.

Authorities executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 2400 block of K Street NW near The George Washington University Wednesday night. They didn’t find the fugitive they were looking for, but they did make an arrest.

In the apartment they found hundreds of packets of a wax-like substance labeled with names like “Peanut Butter” and “Phelps OG,” according to court documents. They also found boxes of vape cartridges — the type of cartridges linked to lung illness and death in users.

“These products are not licensed, they’re not regulated,” Metropolitan Police Department Cmdr. John Haines said. “Typically, they’re black market or gray market type items, and there certainly is no clear government entity or anyone else regulating what’s being put in these items.”

Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified what it calls “THC-containing vape products” as a possible contributor to an outbreak of the deadly lung illness.

Also in the apartment were bags of marijuana, 187 marijuana joints and more than $49,000, according to court documents.

A resident of the building said customers would drive through the alley behind the building to pick up drugs or wait in the lobby. He said many residents suspected the illegal activity and it wasn't welcome.

Local

Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information

Here's what's expected to change in DC under new deal with Capitals, Wizards

How DC managed to keep the Caps and Wizards

The building's management has not returned a request for comment.

The CDC has confirmed at least 18 deaths and more than 1,000 patients in that outbreak of lung illnesses linked to vaping, including one death in Virginia.

Contact Us