Authorities say these Olathe, De Soto businesses sold THC products to kids
Johnson County prosecutors have charged seven people who they accused of selling THC products to youths at businesses in Olathe and De Soto.
Authorities said the products had been sold at Snaps Food Mart and Snaps Elite Vape locations in Olathe and at Exotic Vapes in De Soto. Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe announced the charges in a news conference Tuesday.
Among those charged:
- Zen Salehi, distribution level 2 of THC
- Ahmad A. M. Almarbu, distribution level 2 of THC
- Mohammad N. Al Dulaimi, distribution level 2 of THC
- Mukhalad N. Jabbar, distribution level 4 of THC (two counts), distribution level 2 of THC
- Arian Asas-Nasiri, distribution level 1 of THC
- Sabawoon Alikhail, distribution level 1 of THC
- James Brian Kyles, distribution level 4 of THC (two counts)
Howe said the charges related to a variety of products that had been sold to youths at the locations.
“It’s vapes, it’s edibles, you name it,” he said.
“Whether you are in favor or opposed to the legalization of marijuana, I think we all agree that minors should not be sold these types of products,” he said.
Johnson County Sheriff Byron Roberson said the products were easily accessible on store counters and shelves.
“These are entities in our community that our youth especially know where these places are where they can get these kind of drugs,” he said. “Most of the parents don’t know that these places exist, but they’re all over.”
Olathe Police Chief Mike Butaud said police had received complaints about the sale of THC and nicotine products to youths and in March, law enforcement raided four Olathe Snaps locations and seized 22,000 products worth about $750,000 that Howe said were illegal under current Kansas law.
“The Olathe Police Department remains committed to protecting our community and to holding accountable those who profit from illegal sales that put our young people at risk,” Butaud said.
Howe said those who were charged were mostly property owners, though some were store employees.
“We’re not targeting the 19-year-old clerk that is selling the drugs, we’re targeting the individuals who are actually owning the corporation and selling it to individuals in our community,” he said.
