NORTH CAROLINA — A multi-month investigation by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division has resulted in the arrest of an Eastern North Carolina tobacco shop owner on multiple felony drug charges.
Authorities said 30-year-old Mohamed Saleh of Greenville was arrested March 24 following an investigation into two ABC-permitted businesses he owns in Jacksonville and Kinston.
The investigation began in December 2025 during a compliance inspection at Prince 2 Tobacco in Jacksonville. Agents reported finding glass tubes being sold without required purchase logs, along with products marketed to help individuals avoid drug screenings.
Officials said follow-up inspections in early 2026 at E Z Pass Tobacco in Kinston uncovered additional concerns, including the sale of glass tubes, nitrous oxide products and “liquid kratom shots,” which are not approved by the North Carolina ABC Commission.
In March, ALE agents also assisted the Kinston Police Department in a separate operation targeting illegal THC products at several vape and tobacco stores, including Saleh’s business.
During a later inspection at the Jacksonville location, agents seized a product known as “Tianaa,” which contains tianeptine, a Schedule II controlled substance, along with suspected THC products. Testing later showed THC levels exceeded legal limits, according to officials.
Authorities said a search warrant was executed at Saleh’s home in Greenville, where he was taken into custody.
Saleh faces multiple charges, including felony trafficking in opium or heroin, possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances, maintaining a place for controlled substances and several violations related to operating an ABC-permitted business.
The investigation remains ongoing.
