On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE) and Butner Public Safety concluded a joint investigation involving Butner Tobacco and Vape located at 407 Central Avenue, Butner. As a result, the owner, Abdulghani Abdo Mohamed Alashmaly, was charged with multiple criminal charges, including five felonies.
The investigation began after ALE received information from Butner Public Safety and the Granville County Public Schools Safety Director that students from Butner-Stem Middle School had purchased THC vapes and THC vape cartridges from Butner Tobacco and Vape. Several THC vape cartridges were also located on the campus of Butner-Stem Middle School. Butner Tobacco and Vape is located across the street from Butner-Stem Middle School.
Through the course of the investigation, ALE special agents identified and determined Delta9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products from Butner Tobacco and Vape contained more than 0.3 % THC, making the products illegal to possess and sell.
“Granville County Public Schools deeply appreciates the dedication and professionalism of our local and state law enforcement officers. Their partnership is vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. Our recent collaboration to combat the spread of illegal vape and THC products is especially critical. Those who peddle this poison to our children must be held accountable. We will continue sharing information from our schools to safeguard our students and communities. Let it be clear, our district stands firmly with law enforcement to protect our children,” said Granville County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Stan Winborne.
Criminal charges stemming from the ALE investigation are as follows:
Abdulghani Abdo Mohamed Alashmaly, 36, of Kenansville, has been charged with the following:
Felony-Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Marijuana, 90-95(A).
Felony-Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Schedule I Controlled Substance, 90-95(A)(1).
Felony-Manufacture/Sell /Deliver/Possess Controlled Substances within 1000 feet of a school, (Two counts-- 90-95(E)(8).
Misdemeanor- Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia, 90-113.22A.
Misdemeanor-Possess Drug Paraphernalia, 90-113.22.
Felony-Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place Controlled Substances, 90-108(A)(7).
“Law enforcement continues to have growing and valid concerns about these illegal products,” said ALE Director Bryan House. “Our goal is to keep our communities safe by preventing harmful products from reaching the public—especially our youth.”
About ALE:
The primary mission of Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Special Agents, as peace officers with statewide jurisdiction throughout North Carolina, is to enhance community safety by addressing criminal activity at both ABC-licensed and illegal alcohol establishments. Authorized to take action against any crime of violence or breach of the peace, ALE is the lead enforcement agency for the state’s alcoholic beverage control, gambling, lottery, and tobacco laws.
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