KENTUCKY The Bell County Sheriff’s Department reports that after a months-long investigation into a marijuana trafficking operation at a smoke shop in Middlesboro, two individuals have been taken into custody.
On Friday, June 20, deputies carried out a search warrant at the Happy Smoke Shop, which is situated in the Middlesboro Crossing Shopping Center.
Several tips and pieces of evidence connected the company to alleged marijuana distribution sparked the multi-agency inquiry.
According to authorities, undercover agents made controlled purchases and saw that the retailer neglected to verify IDs, which would have allowed minors to obtain restricted narcotics.
Deputies found a significant amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and money they suspect was obtained from narcotics trafficking during the search.
Amer Allabani, 39, and Jared Cabrera, 22, both of Galax, Virginia, were taken into custody.
They were arrested and taken to the Bell County Detention Center on charges of first-time marijuana trafficking (8 ounces to 5 pounds) and obtaining property through drug trafficking revenue.
The U.S. Marshals Service, the Knox County Sheriff’s Department, the Pineville Police Department, and DESI East were among the agencies that helped in the operation.
The investigation is being headed by Deputy Hunter Luttrell, and authorities say more charges could be brought.
