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The state’s Alcohol Law Enforcement office, working in conjunction with the Oakboro Police Department, made an arrest stemming from the sale of illegal marijuana product.

The operation stemmed from community complaints of illegal THC products being sold at Oakboro Tobacco and Vape, 214 Alonzo Dr., according to a press release. The complaints emphasized the drastic physical reactions caused by the products and concerns for their potential harmful effects.

Through the course of the investigation, authorities determined the products were illegal marijuana-infused gummy candies from California.

On Thursday, ALE special agents and officers with Oakboro Police executed a search warrant of the business. Agents seized 4,872 packages of infused gummies, marijuana paraphernalia, illegal detox drinks and cash. The value of the contraband came to a total of $172,127.76 and weighed 358 pounds in total. Officers also seized $13,026 in cash.

The owner, Hazem Musaed Ahmed Al-Hariri, 37, of Oakboro was charged with trafficking marijuana by possession, possession with the intent to sell and deliver schedule VI controlled substance, sell/deliver schedule VI controlled substance, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of adulterants to defraud a drug/alcohol test.

Al-Hariri received a $350,000 secured bond and was initially housed at the Stanly County Detention Center awaiting a court appearance.