Five Arrested Following a Joint Investigation Into Vape Shops and Tobacco Outlets in St. Tammany

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reports that five have been arrested following a joint investigation with the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry / LSU Ag Chemistry Lab.  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. An extensive 3-month investigation ensued.

On Wednesday (July 24, 2024) morning, detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Division executed search warrants at the businesses where 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. This led to the arrests of 5 people who were identified as employees, managers, or owners of the businesses. Arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center were

• 20 year-old Angel Michell Hadlow on the charges of Distribution of a Schedule I CDS (2 Counts)

• 26 year-old Abduaziz Saleh Kaid Ali on the charges of Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I CDS, Sale, and Distribution or making available to minors publications encouraging, advocating or facilitating the illegal use of CDS

• 26 year-old Maria Margarita Garcia Guzman on the charges of Distribution of a Schedule I CDS (2 Counts) and Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I CDS

• 18 year-old Alyna Heck on the charges of Distribution of a Schedule I CDS (2 counts) and Possession of a Schedule I CDS

• 36 year-old Ahmed Alshaebi on the charges of Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I CDS and Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

This investigation is ongoing as additional arrests and seizures are expected.

Sheriff Smith is asking anyone with information about narcotics, or other crimes, to submit a tip utilizing the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office website (www.STPSO.com), or by calling the narcotics tip line (1-888-GO-2-JAIL).

“Keeping illegal drugs out of our neighborhoods and away from our youth is a cooperative effort between law enforcement and our residents,” 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.”