‘Operation Dirty Laundry’ nets drug, gambling-related arrests in Graham County

ROBBINSVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A major drug bust happened recently in Graham County and involved several businesses, including 30 vape shops in the area, according to the Graham County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office said its “Operation Dirty Laundry” was an 11-month undercover investigation that involved several agencies, including the FBI and the State Bureau of Investigation.

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One of the targets of the investigation was Ayad Radwan Alsalme, who was arrested on Nov. 23 by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release. His charges were sell and deliver marijuana, possession with intent to sell manufacture and distribute marijuana and maintain vehicle/dwelling place for controlled substance.

The sheriff’s office said more arrests were made earlier this week.

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The operation began with tips about illegal drug and and gambling activity in several businesses in and around Robbinsville, including The Greener Side Dispensary and Z’s Tobacco and Vape. The sheriff’s office says it seized $200,000 worth of meth, fentanyl and illegal mushrooms.

Deputies said they also seized 13 illegal gambling machines. Investigators said they are targeting a total of 38 people for charges in the case.