News Summary
King Vaperz, a vape shop in Shreveport, was shut down on April 30, 2025, following an investigation by local police related to narcotics distribution. This closure is part of a broader operation targeting illegal substance distribution to minors. The arrested individual, Yusef Ghazawneh, faces multiple drug-related charges. This action follows two previous vape store closures in the city as concerns about youth access to vaping products rise. Local authorities emphasize the importance of community vigilance regarding illegal drug activities.
Shreveport – A third vape shop in Shreveport, King Vaperz, was closed on April 30, 2025, following an investigation that led to an arrest related to narcotics distribution. The Shreveport Police Department’s Vice Unit conducted the investigation after receiving complaints about minors possessing vape products and illegal substances. The closure comes amid heightened scrutiny of vape shops in the city, particularly regarding their potential involvement in distributing narcotics to underage users.
The arrested individual, identified as Yusef Ghazawneh, faces multiple charges including distribution of narcotics and possession of controlled dangerous substances, along with firearms. The investigation took place around 5 p.m. at King Vaperz, located at 4311 Youree Drive. During the investigation, authorities found multiple firearms and a significant quantity of narcotics, raising concerns about the safety and legality of operations within the shop.
This latest closure follows two previous vape store shutdowns, Zaza Vape & Tobacco and Pro Smoke and Vape No. 3, which were part of a larger multi-agency crime sweep dubbed Operation Curveball. This operation resulted in over 200 arrests and the seizure of approximately $115,000 in illegal drugs. The aim of Operation Curveball was to target the distribution of illegal substances to “underage and vulnerable individuals,” indicating a systemic issue within the community regarding youth access to narcotics.
Impact on Youth and Community Safety
Concerns regarding youth access to vape products have been highlighted by recent statistics from the CDC. According to their data, 5.9% of middle and high school students reported using electronic cigarettes in 2024, a decrease from 7.7% in 2023. Moreover, a significant number of students, at 67.4%, attempted to quit vaping within the same timeframe, reflecting the challenges teenagers face in relation to nicotine addiction and peer pressure.
Local Law Enforcement Response
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith emphasized the department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the youth and disrupting illegal operations in the area. The police department urges community members to assist law enforcement by reporting any suspected illegal drug activities. Individuals can contact the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300 or Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373. Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit tips via the P3 Tips mobile app or the Crime Stoppers website, which may qualify them for a reward for their contributions.
Background Context
The recent surge in vape shop closures is part of a larger effort to address public health concerns and illegal drug distribution in Shreveport. The rise in youth vaping and access to illegal substances has raised alarms among parents, educators, and public health officials alike. The combination of strong enforcement measures and community awareness campaigns aims to curb youth nicotine use and protect the health of minors in the region.
As the Shreveport community navigates these challenges, the actions taken by law enforcement serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting any dubious activities linked to narcotics and juvenile access to them. Local authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of all residents, particularly the youth.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Vape Store Closed After Arrest
- KSLA News: Vape Store Arrest
- 710 KEEL: Guns and Drugs Found in Shreveport Vape Store
- KTAL News: Shreveport Police Arrest Vape Shop Employee
- NOLA: Five Arrested in Vape Shop Tobacco Outlet Drug Bust
- Wikipedia: Vaping
- Google Search: Vape Shops
- Google Scholar: Youth Vaping
- Encyclopedia Britannica: E-Cigarette
- Google News: Vape Shop Arrests
