Lower Burrell, PA -- Lower Burrell Police and detectives from surrounding police agencies have been cooperatively investigating several local vape shops in an undercover capacity since 2024. 

Undercover officers made a series of controlled buys from the Discount Vape and More Shop located in Hillcrest Shopping Center in Lower Burrell.

Investigators submitted several of the products purchased to the state police crime lab for analysis.

The results reviewed by police determined the products contained a Schedule I narcotic, including marijuana, psilocyn, Delta 8-THC, and Delta-9 THC (with a concentration greater than .3%). 

In October, investigators went back to the Discount Vape and More Shop to determine if the shop was still selling the previously purchased products. 

Undercover officers purchased a mushroom extract THC-A vape and a pre-rolled joint, suspected to be a controlled substance. 

Lower Burrell Police and County Detectives executed a search warrant at the vape shop in late October. 

Officers located and seized several products that were identified as Schedule I narcotics that were located in glass display cases, concealed in bags in a closet, and contained in jars. 

Balwinder Singh and Asad Faiz were identified as the owners of the vape shop. 

Singh and Faiz are facing drug-related offenses. 

In April of 2024, Lower Burrell Police and detectives from local agencies continued their investigation into the sale of illegal products being sold at vape shops in Lower Burrell. 

Undercover officers made several purchases from the Exxon gas station located on Leechburg Road. 

The products were sent to the state police crime lab for analysis, and it was determined the products contained a Schedule I narcotic. 

Detectives executed a search warrant at the store in October of 2024, and items containing suspected marijuana, Delta 8-THC, and Delta 9-THC with a concentration greater than .3% were seized and removed from the store. 

The store's owner, Maulik Thakkar, is facing drug-related charges. 

In October of 2024, additional officers working in an undercover capacity began investigating Burrell Tobacco and Vape shop for the sale of illegal products. 

Undercover officers bought several items believed to be containing illegal substances. 

After securing a search warrant, officers raided the vape shop and seized a substantial number of products believed to be containing an illegal concentration of THC. 

In April of 2025, the state police crime lab analysis revealed the products seized contained contents of THC that are illegal to be sold in the state of Pennsylvania. 

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Hussain Almerdale and Qasem Almaradeai were charged with drug-related offenses. 

Disclaimer: To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all such charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.