Continued Investigation into Vapes Shops Nets Three Additional Arrest and over $20,000 Seized
Ammar Balwi, 30 years of age, Address: Island Dr. Plaquemine, La arrested on 6/03/2025 @ 2:52 p.m.
Charges: Possession W-I-T-D SCH I CDS
(Tianeptine)
Possession W-I-T-D SCH I CDS
(Marijuana)
Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Sales
Illegal Carrying of Weapons
Violation of Uniform CDS
Drug Free Zone
Amber Yarbrough, 42 years of age, Address: Venus St. Morgan City, La arrested on 6/03/2025 @ 2:52 p.m.
Charges: Principal Possession W-I-T-D SCH I CDS
(Tianeptine)
Raed Kassim, 40 years of age, Address: Hendrick St. Patterson, La arrested on 6/03/2025 @ 10:29 p.m.
Charges: Possession W-I-T-D SCH I CDS
(Tianeptine)
Possession W-I-T-D SCH I CDS
(Marijuana)
Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Sales
Illegal Carrying of Weapons
Violation of Uniform CDS
Drug Free Zone
As part of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity in local retail vape shops establishments, the Morgan City Police Department has made three additional arrests on June 3rd. The arrests follow a series of operations and surveillance efforts targeting vape shop stores suspected of distributing controlled substances.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that charges include Possession With Intent to Distribute SCH I CDS (Tianeptine), Possession With Intent to Distribute SCH I CDS (Marijuana), Violation of Uniform CDS-Drug Free Zone, Illegal Carrying of Weapons and Transactions involving Proceeds from Drug Sales. The individuals were arrested and processed pending further legal proceedings. To date, the Morgan City Police Department has seized over $20,000 from these establishments in connection with the illegal sales of these products.
The investigation remains active as we press forward and continue efforts to dismantle the illegal sales of these items to our youth in the area. We encourage the community to get familiar with these items with hopes of keeping our children safe.
