The North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division announced on March 27 that it arrested Mohamed Saleh, the owner of two tobacco outlets in eastern North Carolina, following a multi-month investigation into controlled substances and alcohol law violations.
The case centers on concerns about the sale of illegal substances and improper management at businesses permitted to sell alcohol. The investigation highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding controlled substances and alcoholic beverages.
According to the division, the investigation began in December 2025 after agents inspected Prince 2 Tobacco in Jacksonville, where they found glass tubes being sold without required purchase logs and detoxification products marketed for evading drug screenings. These findings led to further scrutiny of Saleh’s operations across eastern North Carolina.
In January and February 2026, agents inspected E Z Pass Tobacco in Kinston—another business owned by Saleh—and observed sales of glass tubes, nitrous oxide products, and “liquid kratom shots,” an alcoholic beverage not approved by the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. In March 2026, ALE assisted local police with a search warrant operation targeting unlawful THC product sales at several retailers including E Z Pass Tobacco.
The investigation concluded on March 17 during a follow-up inspection at Prince 2 Tobacco. Agents seized “Tianaa,” which contains tianeptine—a Schedule II controlled substance—as well as suspected THC products that tested at 5.9% Delta-9 THC using a LightLab Cannabis Analyzer. This level is above legal limits set by state law.
On March 24, agents executed a search warrant at Saleh’s residence in Greenville where he was arrested. Charges include felony trafficking in opium or heroin; felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule II controlled substances; felony possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana; maintaining premises for controlled substances; multiple counts related to failure to supervise an ABC-permitted business; possessing adulterants intended for defrauding drug or alcohol screening tests; illegal sale of glass pipes or splitters; and allowing violations on licensed premises.
Authorities say this case reflects continued enforcement actions aimed at curbing illegal activity within regulated industries.
