Four in BG arrested in suspected bootleg vape operation
Published 2:11 pm Wednesday, September 2, 2026
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Items seized during an investigation into a suspected illegal marijuana vape manufacturing operation are displayed at the Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force office.
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Javon Mitchell
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Dayshawn Mitchell
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Savyon Howard
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George Murray
Four Bowling Green men were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of illegally manufacturing marijuana vape pens out of the garage of a home in Warren County.
The Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force said that an eight-week investigation and surveillance operation enabled detectives to establish probable cause to obtain a search warrant for a residence at 1407 Calgary Way.
When detectives arrived Tuesday to execute the warrant, the occupants of the house refused to open the door, leading agents to make forcible entry into the house.
The people inside the house were then taken into custody without resistance.
According to the drug task force, detectives found marijuana vape products and other evidence indicating that a significant clandestine manufacturing operation was in place, the first such operation encountered by the task force in the area.
The task force said that law enforcement seized 2,146 illegally manufactured vape products, hundreds of boxes that appeared to serve as packaging for the finished product, more than two gallons of liquid marijuana extract, 48 oxycodone tablets, two handguns, a shotgun and $3,489 in cash.
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The liquid marijuana extract seized was roughly equivalent to 10 pounds of marijuana, the task force said, adding that a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was also seized by agents as part of the investigation.
“This investigation highlights the dangers associated with illegal drug manufacturing operations being conducted inside residential properties,” the drug task force said in a news release. “These products are manufactured outside of any legitimate regulatory or safety standards, creating additional risks for the individuals who ultimately consume them.”
Javon Mitchell, 24, Dayshawn Mitchell, 27, Savyon Howard, 24, and George Murray, 56, were all arrested on charges of engaging in organized crime and trafficking in marijuana (greater than five pounds).
