Search Warrant Executed at Smithfield Vape Shop; 3 Charged, Drugs Seized
SMITHFIELD, NC – Three individuals have been charged following the execution of a search warrant at Mr. Smoke & Vape, located at 1547 East Market Street, Suite 102. On Friday, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) agents, in partnership with the Smithfield Police Department, seized over 11 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and U.S. currency, prompting charges against the individuals involved.
The following individuals have been charged in connection with the operation:
Wail Jamal Ahmed Al Saidi, 21, of Clinton, co-owner of Mr. Smoke & Vape, faces charges of:
- Trafficking marijuana by possession
- Felony possession of marijuana
- Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver marijuana
- Felony maintaining a store for keeping and selling controlled substances
- Felony conspiracy to sell marijuana
- Marijuana paraphernalia
Taher Ahmed Al Lahabi, 48, of Clayton, also a co-owner, is charged with:
- Trafficking marijuana by possession
- Felony possession of marijuana
- Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver marijuana
- Felony maintaining a store for keeping and selling controlled substances
- Felony conspiracy to sell marijuana
- Marijuana paraphernalia
Edwin Tyler Lusk, 19, of Smithfield, an employee at the shop, has been charged with:
- Felony possession of marijuana
- Marijuana paraphernalia
Smithfield Police Chief Pete Hedrick praised the collaborative effort, stating, “This is a great example of agencies working together to make our communities safer. This investigation began with a tip and, through diligent efforts by ALE, resulted in a significant seizure of illegal narcotics. I am proud of both agencies’ commitment to making Smithfield a great place to live and shop.”
This article first appeared in The Johnston County Report.