A coordinated investigation into alleged drug sales near schools in Winston-Salem resulted in search warrants at five businesses and the seizure of large quantities of marijuana, THC products, firearms and cash, officials said.
The operation, carried out Tuesday, July 7, involved the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ncALE), Winston-Salem Police Department, Triad ABC, the Forsyth County Drug Task Force and the North Carolina Secretary of State's Office. Authorities said the inquiry began after complaints that controlled substances were being sold at retail locations near schools, parks, churches and daycares.
What investigators found
Investigators described products packaged and marketed to resemble popular candy — including items resembling Gummy Bears, Nerds and Skittles — and said those products were displayed next to conventional candy, making them hard to distinguish at a glance. The Secretary of State's Office also seized roughly $10,000 in trademark-violating products officials said targeted youth.
- Search warrants executed at five businesses in Winston-Salem.
- Products packaged to appeal to middle- and high-school students found on sale, officials said.
- Multiagency seizure and criminal charges followed the investigation.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Loose flower marijuana | More than 100 pounds |
| THC vapes | 126 pounds |
| THC wax | More than 1 pound |
| Khat | More than 1 pound |
| Firearms | 2 |
| Cash seized | $11,976 |
Charges and enforcement actions
Authorities identified one person with a detailed list of charges: Ali Taher Kaid, 41, of Rual Hall, was charged with maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance; possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana; possession of marijuana; and multiple misdemeanor counts including possession of drug paraphernalia and selling alcoholic beverages without an ABC permit, officials said.
Officials also said Juedy Rafael Lopez Reyes, 25, of Kernersville, was charged in connection with the investigation.
“These businesses were within walking distance of schools, parks, churches and daycares,” officials said, saying the packaging and placement of products made them particularly dangerous for children.
Local stakes and next steps
The seizures underscore growing concerns among law enforcement in Forsyth County about nontraditional packaging and youth-oriented marketing for THC products and other controlled substances. The presence of large quantities of vapes and cannabis products within close proximity to schools heightens public-safety and child-protection concerns for Winston-Salem families and school officials.
Investigators said the case is ongoing. The multiagency nature of the operation — involving state ALE, local police, Triad ABC, the county drug task force and the Secretary of State's Office — signals a coordinated enforcement push that could lead to additional charges or civil actions related to trademark violations and illegal product sales targeting minors.
Residents with information about suspected illegal sales near schools are encouraged to contact Winston-Salem police or the Forsyth County Drug Task Force, officials said.
