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A Zachary convenience store owner is facing multiple charges after allegedly selling illegal narcotics from his store. Abdulfattah Saleh, the 50-year-old owner of Gate City Food Mart, was arrested on Thursday, November 21, following a search warrant executed by the Zachary Police Department. During the search, officers seized a significant amount of illegal products, including Kratom, THC products, and other narcotics.
According to the WAFB 9 news site, the investigation into Saleh’s store began several weeks ago after police received reports suggesting that illegal substances were being sold at the location, which is situated on Highway 19 in Zachary. Upon executing the search warrant, authorities found an array of contraband items. These included 11 THC “Ghost Pens” containing 96% THC, 143 bottles of Str8W8 Delta 9 THC Mix Juice, 120 Kratom products, and 132 illegal THC products. Kratom, a synthetic opioid, was recently outlawed in Zachary in 2024 due to concerns over its safety and potential for abuse.
In addition to the narcotics, the officers seized 55 Kratom products, 139 OPMS Kratom products, a box of vape pens, 100 grams of suspected marijuana, and nearly $4,000 in cash, which is pending forfeiture.
Saleh has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 narcotics, transactions involving narcotics proceeds, and the sale or possession of Kratom products, which are now illegal in Zachary.
Zachary's decision to outlaw Kratom was part of a larger effort by city officials to crack down on the distribution of potentially harmful substances. The city is becoming increasingly vigilant about its efforts to prevent the sale of narcotics and other illegal substances.
In a statement, Chief Darryl Lawrence, Sr. of the Zachary Police Department expressed gratitude to the officers involved in the investigation, thanking the Narcotics Investigation Detectives, the Uniform Patrol, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Alcohol Tobacco Control for their collaborative efforts. Chief Lawrence reiterated the department's commitment to reducing crime and ensuring the safety of the community.
The arrest and the seizure of these substances serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges local law enforcement faces in combating the illegal drug trade and maintaining public safety. With the continued effort of local authorities, the city of Zachary hopes to reduce the availability of illegal narcotics and create a safer environment for residents.
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