LAURINBURG — Authorities arrested the manager and two employees of a Vance Street convenience store Tuesday in connection with the sale of synthetic marijuana at the business.
According to Assistant Police Chief Cliff Sessoms, the store at the intersection of Vance Street and South Caledonia Road known as Vance Convenience has been under investigation for several months for the sale of the synthetic marijuana product known as “Spice.”
On Tuesday, the store’s manager Yasser Alssiady, 41, of Red Springs, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver synthetic cannabinoids, felonious possession of Schedule I controlled substances and maintaining a facility for the sale of controlled substances. Alssiady was placed under a $20,000 secured bond.
Employee Jacquelyn Christan, 39, of 1100 Samoa St. was also charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver synthetic cannabinoids and placed under a $3,000 secured bond.
Another employee, Muhammed Saleem, 49, of Maxton, was charged with conspiracy to sell Schedule I controlled substances and placed under a $2,000 secured bond.
“We’ve had complaints before,” Sessoms said. “It is known to be around and we have charged people for selling, but not out of a business.”
Police seized 27 packets marked “7H” and “Triple X Hi 5 aromatic potpourri,” which sell for $25 and $150 each, respectively. In total, the product seized amounted to 200 grams.
“Spice,” or synthetic marijuana, is a combination of herbs and man-made chemicals with an effect frequently stronger than that of natural marijuana.
Additional charges are pending against other subjects.
“We do want to thank the community for their assistance in this investigation,” said Chief Darwin Williams.
All suspects facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Reach Mary Katherine Murphy at 910-276-2311.
