Four individuals have been arrested following a multi-agency investigation into illegal activity at vape stores across Moore County. The operation, which began on January 30, 2025, involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Robbins, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Pinebluff police departments, as well as the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI).
The investigation was initiated in response to public complaints about the illegal sale of products to minors, overdoses involving minors, and the sale of THC products containing illegal levels of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Sheriff Ronnie Fields stated that some of the seized products contained THC levels exceeding 90%, which is far above the legal threshold.
Search warrants were executed at several vape store locations, including R&R 2 Tobacco & Vape in Robbins, Circle H 2 in Carthage, Up In Smoke Vape Shop in Carthage, The Island Smoke Shop & Lounge in Southern Pines and Aberdeen, and Tobacco CBD & Vape in Pinebluff. As a result, the following individuals were arrested: Mousa Ali A. Shahbain, 35, of Raeford, was charged with multiple counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and other controlled substances, with a secured bond of $65,000. Fares Mosleh Saleh, 36, of Carthage, was also arrested on similar charges, with a secured bond of $25,000. Rassam Saleh Rashani, 42, of Whispering Pines, faces charges of possession with intent to sell marijuana and other controlled substances, and he was released on a promise to appear in court. Ahmed Mahmood Musaed Amer, 41, of Fayetteville, was arrested on similar charges and also released on a promise to appear in court.
Sheriff Fields emphasized that protecting youth and public safety remains a priority, and authorities are continuing their efforts to combat illegal drug sales. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Moore County Sheriff’s Office at 910-947-4444 or Moore County Crime Stoppers at 910-947-4444.
