EPSO AND ATC EXECUTE NARCOTIC SEARCH WARRANT AT A&A CONVENIENCE STORE
Recently, the citizens of Ville Platte lodged complaints with the Sheriff's Office Narcotic Unit regarding the A&A convenience store located at 702 South Chataigner. The complaints stem from persons under the age of 21 purchasing alcohol, the sale of THC Vapes, and Kratom. Upon the completion of an investigation on September 18, 2025, Narcotic Agents with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office assisted ATC in an impromptu compliance inspection.
Upon conducting a compliance check of the establishment, contact was made with the employee identified as Yafea Salem Ali Al Saadi (DOB 02/24/2000) (Louisiana ID 0103403918), as well as two alleged employees identified as Jose Sanchez (DOB 01/28/2004) and Cedrick Wilson (DOB 11/13/2005). At the same time, conducting a compliance inspection, ATC Agents located Kratom. Upon locating the Kratom, the compliance check ceased, and a Narcotic Search Warrant was requested to further search the establishment. The establishment was secured, to include the cessation of sales from the business, as well as the coming and going of any and all customers.
Once the Narcotic Search Warrant was signed, it was printed and presented to the subject identified as the Store Manager / Person in Charge, Ali Gharama (DOB 04/25/1993). Ali Gharama, as well as Yafea Salem Ali Al Saadi, was advised of his Miranda Rights. Ali Gharama advised that he was the store manager and in control of the operations to include ordering of alcohol and Tobacco products, while the owner is away overseas. The owner is identified as Mohammed A Hussain (DOB 01/01/1979).
Located within A&A Quick Stop is the following:
Located on a counter display in front of the register was:
10 Nano Kratom Shot Tri Sprout Kratom "Focus" Lemon Pucker 60 ml per 1 bottle
10 Nano Kratom Shot Tri Sprout Kratom "Energy" Peppermint Power 60 ml per 1 bottle
11 Nano Kratom Shot Tri Sprout Kratom "Sleep" Orange Dream 60 ml per 1 bottle
Located under the counter on the right of the register:
Bryco Arms Model Jennings Nine 9mm Serial 1338950
Located under the counter, bottom display:
1 bottle Za-Za Red Extra Strength 15 Capsules
Located in an office area next to a safe in a filing cabinet
Remarkable Herbs Maeng Da Kratom 8 oz Powder
2 packages of Malay Kratom 240 Capsules- 144 grams (all natural [silver packaging])
2 packages of red vein Maeng Da Kratom 60 Capsules- 36 grams (all natural [silver packaging])
Viva Zen with Kratom Gummies 2.29 oz (10 gummies)
Located on the front cabinet display on the counter:
4 packages of Maeng Da Premium Quality Tri Sprout Kratom White Vein (Free Capsules) 5 Capsules per pack
3 packages of Maeng Da Premium Quality Tri Sprout Kratom Greenview 5 capsules per pack
2 packages of Bali Premium Quality Tri Sprout Kratom Red View 5 Capsules per pack
Located on Ali Gharama's person, within his rear pocket was $1,852 in United States Currency. It should be advised that upon locating the currency, Ali Gharama stated that the funds were for the store, he also advised that allegedly $72 was for him personally.
United States Currency Located within A&A Store, under the counter in a cardboard box was loose United States currency totaling $662, located within a safe in the office was $4,630 in United States currency, located in a file cabinet within the office was $254 in United States Currency.
The total amount of United States Currency Located within the A&A Store was $7,398.
Ali Gharama (DOB 04/25/1993) is charged with (3) Counts of 40:966A Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I Kratom, (1) Count 14:95E Possession of a Firearm in the presence of CDS, (1) Count 40:1041 Transactions involving proceeds from drug offense.
Additionally, an Arrest Warrant is requested for the owner identified as Mohammed A Hussain, DOB 01/01/1979, who at the time was allegedly in Yemen, for the charges of 40:966A Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I Kratom, 14:95E Possession of a Firearm in the presence of CDS, 40:1041 Transactions involving proceeds from drug offense.
As always, Sheriff Charles R. Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office are seeking information on criminal activity and urge the public to contact their Investigation Department via phone at 337-363-2161 or through the agency's website at www.evangelineparishsheriff.org. Any person/s reporting information will remain anonymous. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
ALI GHARAME
02/25/1993
VILLE PLATTE, LA
