The Wilkesboro Police Department arrested two men on charges of selling illegal controlled substances after search warrants were executed recently at 421 Z’s Tobacco and Vape at 1022 River Street and 421 Tobacco and Vape at 1780 U.S. 421.
Hazim Hassan was charged June 12 with trafficking opium or heroin and turned himself in, stated a Wilkesboro Police Department press release. Hassan was identified as owner of both businesses.
Sidi Saleh was charged with selling and delivering a schedule II controlled substance on May 9, the day the searches were conducted in collaboration with agents from N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE).
The press release said 141 bottles of tianeptine and two bags of Khat were seized in the searches. Under a state law in effect since 2024, tianeptine is illegal as a schedule II controlled substance.
Tianeptine, dubbed “gas station heroin” because of its opioid-like effects, is often marketed under the names “Zaza,” “Tianna” and “Neptune’s Fix.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued strong warnings about severe and sometimes fatal, side effects linked to tianeptine, the release said. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, it’s highly addictive.
“This was a dangerous product being sold under the guise of supplements. We take seriously our responsibility to protect our community from such threats,” the release said.
Cathine and cathinone, two chemicals in khat, are classified as schedule IV and schedule I controlled substances respectively, according to the DEA.
Khat is a flowering plant native to the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. Chewing the leaves for their stimulating properties has been a traditional practice among people living in that area for centuries.
According to the DEA, abuse of khat in the United States often occurs among among immigrants from Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen and certain other countries.
The release said the investigation was prompted by numerous public complaints and tips regarding the illegal sale of controlled substances.
“This case is a clear example of what can be accomplished when citizens and law enforcement work together,” said Wilkesboro Police Chief Jason Delbert.
“We are committed to removing dangerous substances from our streets and holding accountable those who put profit above public health.”
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