Northshore vape shops busted, allegedly selling pot to children

Cops say a crackdown on illegal drug dealing to minors at local vape shops has landed several people behind bars in St. Tammany Parish.

"Five have been arrested following a joint investigation," Lieutenant Carli Messina wrote in a news release. "Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division began an investigation into multiple businesses within St. Tammany Parish after receiving information from concerned citizens and parents alleging criminal activity at such establishments. The information indicated several of the businesses were selling illegally possessed controlled dangerous substances, to include sales being made to high school students and juveniles."

She says they called in the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry / LSU Ag Chemistry Lab.

After an extensive three month investigation, they raided several vape shops.

"Detectives identified businesses and individuals at such establishments which were in fact involved in criminal activity."

Messina said search warrants turned up a large quantity of products containing the active ingredient in marijuana.

"They seized nearly 300 devices or items containing a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (THC vapes), 2 firearms, and over $2,400.00 in cash."

Police arrested employees, managers, or owners of the businesses.

Sheriff Randy Smith said, “I thank the residents who contacted us to make us aware of these illegal activities and we are especially appreciative of the relationships we have we our state law enforcement partners so we can best protect the citizens and children of our parish.”

Here is a list of the suspects and charges:

Angel Michell Hadlow (20 years old)

L.R.S 40:966A Distribution of a Schedule I CDS (2 Counts)

Abduaziz Saleh Kaid Ali (26 years old)

L.R.S. 40:966A/C Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I CDS

L.R.S. 14:91.12 Sale, Distribution or making available to minors publications encouraging, advocating or facilitating the illegal use of CDS

Maria Margarita Garcia Guzman (26 years old)

L.R.S. 40:966A Distribution of a Schedule I CDS (2 Counts)

L.R.S. 40:966A/C Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I CDS

Alyna Heck (18 years old)

L.R.S. 40:966A Distribution of a Schedule I CDS (2 counts)

L.R.S. 40:966C Possession of a Schedule I CDS

Ahmed Alshaebi (36 years old)

L.R.S. 40:966A/C Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I CDS

L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses