https://www.arlnow.com/2024/04/10/highs-and-lows-closes-months-after-owner-is-arrested-on-money-laundering-and-drug-charges/

An intentionally “weird” shop specializing in international snacks, sodas and oddities has closed.

Highs & Lows’ location at the Pentagon City mall shuttered several weeks ago, a mall representative told ARLnow.

The closures comes less than a year after opening last June and several months after its owner’s arrest on drug trafficking and money laundering charges in Fairfax County.

The store, which sold a variety of treats and drinks, mostly sourced from Asia, billed itself as “the weird place you can’t help but love.”

“Come in and bear witness to the wackiest place around! Look up, Look down, Look all around, because if you don’t, you may just miss that one perfect thing for you,” read a description on the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City’s website.

Fairfax County police jailed owner Matthew Powers and three other suspects in September following an investigation into an “extensive drug ring” in the Mount Vernon District.

“During the operation, the detectives successfully confiscated a range of illicit substances, including Psilocybin and LSD, along with two firearms,” police said in a press release at the time. “Additionally, they seized over $138k in cash, discovered several bank accounts, valuable jewelry, and even a Porsche SUV — all believed to be connected to the illegal operations.”

Powers has been released on bail and the outcome of the case is still pending, according to online court records. Highs & Lows’ website disputes the charges.

“We don’t sell dope — just dope snacks and gifts,” it says.

The company’s Alexandria location was closed as of September. Another mall location is still listed on the Springfield Town Center’s website, but the store’s phone number appears to be disconnected.

Highs & Lows teased forthcoming updates concerning its location in a TikTok last month.