Tobacco Investigation Leads to Drug Arrest

New Castle — A 54 year old New Castle man faces drug and weapons charges after an investigation of tobacco sales by agents with the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement at a convenience store.

On February 7, the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) conducted undercover buys of unsealed cigarettes. While at T2 Food & Gas, located on Moores Lane in New Castle, the store manager sold a loose cigarette to an undercover DATE agent which is prohibited by state law. After arresting the manager and while conducting an inspection of the store’s tobacco products, Agents located a large bag of marijuana and a loaded .357 magnum in plain view behind the counter. Agents then obtained a search warrant for the business and seized 86 grams of marijuana, some of which was packaged for resale. The pistol and over $200 in cash was seized as well.

The store manager, Sher A. Khan, was charged with Drug Dealing (Possession with Intent to Distribute), Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Advertisement of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Distribute Tobacco Products Unsealed by the Manufacturer. In addition, Khan was also found to have four outstanding capiases for his arrest for unrelated crimes. Khan was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court #11 and incarcerated under a $5,700 secured bond.