Two Wilkesboro vape shops were the targets of a joint operation involving Wilkesboro Police and N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), in which illegal substances were confiscated and two men were arrested.
According to a Thursday, June 19, post on the Wilkesboro Police Department’s Facebook page:
Hazim Hassan of Wilkesboro, the owner of both businesses, was charged on Thursday, June 12, with trafficking opium or heroin. He later surrendered to the authorities and received a $25,000 bond. He posted bond on Friday, June 13, Wilkes County Jail officials told The Wilkes Record.
Sidi Saleh of Wilkesboro was charged on May 9, with selling and delivering a Schedule II controlled substance. He received a $15,000 secured bond. He was released after posting bond on May 15, according to Wilkes Jail officials.
“On May 9, 2025, the Wilkesboro Police Department, in collaboration with agents from North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), executed search warrants at two vape shops in Wilkesboro: 421 Tobacco and Vape, located at 1780 U.S. Highway 421, and 421 Z’s Tobacco and Vape, located at 1022 River Street.These actions followed a joint investigation prompted by numerous public complaints and tips regarding the illegal sale of controlled substances.”
The press release continued, “During the searches, law enforcement officers seized 141 bottles of Tianeptine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and two bags of Khat, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Tianeptine, often marketed under names such as “Zaza,” “Tianna,” and “Neptune’s Fix,” has gained notoriety as “gas station heroin” due to its opioid-like effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued strong warnings about the substance, which is illegal in North Carolina and has been linked to severe, even fatal, side effects.
Wilkesboro Police stated “This was a dangerous product being sold under the guise of supplements,” the post stated. “We take seriously our responsibility to protect our community from such threats.”
Wilkesboro Police Chief Jason Delbert emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement in addressing public safety concerns.
“Gas Station Heroin” what is it and why is it so dangerous? https://www.newsweek.com/what-tianeptine-warning-issued-over-gas-station-heroin-2086019