Manhattan smoke shop raided in marijuana investigation; statewide crackdown continues

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A Manhattan smoke shop owner faces felony drug charges after Riley County police raided his business Thursday as part of an investigation into illegal marijuana and THC product distribution.

Al-Shawhati Rayd Mohomed-Hezam, 40, of Manhattan, was arrested at approximately 3 p.m. when officers executed a search warrant at Chill Vibez Smoke and Vape in the 100 block of Sarber Lane in Pottawatomie County.

Mohomed-Hezam was charged with one count of distribution of marijuana greater than 450 grams but less than 30 kilograms, and two counts of distribution of THC products involving large quantities. He was booked into the Pottawatomie County Jail on $50,000 bond and remained in custody Friday afternoon.

The Riley County Police Department said the warrant stemmed from an investigation that began earlier this year. Authorities emphasized the probe was independent and not linked to recent enforcement actions by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The arrest comes as Kansas law enforcement intensifies efforts to crack down on stores allegedly selling illegal marijuana and THC products across the state.

The KBI, under the direction of Attorney General Kris Kobach and KBI Director Tony Mattivi, executed search warrants at 15 stores statewide over two days in early October. Ten stores were targeted Oct. 1, with five more raided Oct. 2.

The stores have been documented selling THC vapes, THC-infused teas and consumable hemp products that contain more than the legal trace amount of THC — 0.3% or less — as well as marijuana bud, flower and pre-rolled cigarettes, authorities said. In some instances, weapons and money were also seized.

The Oct. 1 raids targeted stores in Wichita, Pratt, Salina, Concordia, McPherson, Topeka, Great Bend and Abilene. The following day, authorities raided locations in Wichita, Sedan, Independence and Ulysses.

Kobach and Mattivi said the enforcement focus is on sellers and suppliers, not consumers.

Justin Lane, owner of High Hopes ICT in Wichita, said the raids have left many legitimate business owners concerned. His store was not targeted, but he said customers have been visiting nearly every location seeking reassurance.

"They want to find out if anything happened with us, if we're going to have problems, if we're still going to be open," Lane said.

Lane said he supports holding stores accountable for illegal activity but worries about the impact on businesses operating within the law.

The KBI said the stores remain under investigation and more search warrants will be executed in the future.

The Riley County Police Department investigation also remains open and ongoing. The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office assisted in the execution of the Manhattan search warrant.