EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass.- A 27-year-old Webster man was arrested after authorities searched an East Longmeadow smoke shop and seized numerous products, including items containing kratom, police said.
East Longmeadow police officers and detectives, assisted by investigators from the Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, searched A’s Smoke Shop at 611 North Main Street at about 4:45 p.m. Friday.
The search followed an investigation into allegations that the business was illegally and without proper licenses selling flavored vapes, alcohol and marijuana to adults and juveniles, according to police. A judge at Palmer District Court approved the search and arrest warrants.
Police said numerous products were seized during the search, including products containing kratom, which they described as a newly designated controlled substance in Massachusetts that is illegal to possess or sell.
Ali Sher, 27, of Webster, identified by police as the owner and license holder of A’s Smoke Shop, was arrested at the business.
Sher faces charges related to the sale of flavored tobacco, unlawful alcohol sales, drug distribution, possession of drugs with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws.
East Longmeadow Police Chief Mark Williams said the department had received numerous complaints and allegations about illegal activity at the business, including alleged sales of illegal tobacco, alcohol and marijuana to young people.
“Our department has received numerous complaints and allegations about illegal activities and sales involving this business, and most concerning about those involving sales to youths of illegal tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana,” Williams said.
Williams said the department will continue investigating the allegations and working with state and local licensing authorities.
“This remains an active investigation, and further criminal charges may be filed, and local licensing actions may be taken,” he said.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
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