Hot Springs, Ark. – In a coordinated operation, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Regulatory Enforcement agents seized over 6,400 illegal vape and narcotic products from three local retailers and arrested four individuals linked to the illegal trade.
Operation details
The raid targeted Ameer’s Tobacco and Vape and Loyal Vape in Hot Springs, as well as Ameer’s Vape and Cigar in Hot Springs Village. Agents, in partnership with the 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force and Homeland Security, executed search and seizure warrants that uncovered intoxicating hemp‑derived substances, synthetic cannabis, suspected controlled‑substance compounds, and unregulated vape devices.
Specific inventory seized includes:
- 1,074 illegal vape products and 1,067 suspected narcotic or intoxicating‑substance items at Ameer’s Tobacco and Vape.
- 1,410 illegal vape products and 1,580 suspected narcotic or intoxicating‑substance items at Ameer’s Vape and Cigar.
- 1,339 illegal vape devices and 1,356 grams of intoxicating THC products at Loyal Vape.
Agents also recovered 29 grams of marijuana flower, $4,298 in cash, and a Glock 9mm handgun. Hidden compartments behind false walls in the stores contained additional suspected narcotics and illegal vape products.
Arrests and charges
Four arrests were made in connection with the Hot Springs‑area stores. Hemyar Mahubemulhi Abdulla, also known as “Ameer,” faced charges including delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug premises, unauthorized use of another’s property to facilitate a crime, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Sidnee Jones, Aldailam Ammar, and Thilab Alshawhati were each charged with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug premises, unauthorized use of another’s property, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A related arrest from September involved Taleb Ebnou, who was taken into custody for illegal products at Ameer’s Tobacco and Vape in Bryant and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for deportation.
Official response
“DFA Regulatory Enforcement Agents have made thousands of visits to retailers across Arkansas to protect Arkansans from these unregulated, dangerous products,” said DFA Secretary Jim Hudson. “I appreciate the work of our Enforcement team to bring justice to those who choose to endanger Arkansans. These arrests should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can operate independent of state and federal law.”
Impact on the community
The operation underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding public health and safety by cracking down on illegal vape and narcotic sales. Residents of Hot Springs and surrounding areas can feel reassured that state officials are actively monitoring and removing hazardous products from local markets.
Business owners are reminded to comply fully with state regulations governing tobacco, vape, and controlled‑substance sales. Continued vigilance by DFA and law‑enforcement partners aims to keep Arkansas neighborhoods free from dangerous, unregulated substances.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
