One individual was arrested, and more arrests are anticipated following a joint investigation into the illegal sale of drugs and underage sale of drugs/tobacco products of a local store.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Ocmulgee Drug Task Force, Georgia Department of Revenue, and Sandersville Police Department executed a search warrant on the Sandersville Tobacco & Vape Store located on Walmart Circle in Sandersville on Wednesday, March 30.
According to Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran, this search came following a nearly two-month long joint investigation into the illegal sale of drugs and underage sale of drug/tobacco products. This investigation began in early February after the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received complaints that underage persons were purchasing such prohibited items from a local store.
“Our office has taken this case very seriously,” said Sheriff Cochran, adding, “It truly upsets me when I see children being taken advantage of by senseless acts such as this. It’s our duty to protect our kids so that their futures can be bright.”
Following Wednesday’s search, Mashrah Tawfik Nagi, age 33, of Sandersville, was charged with two counts of the Sale of a Schedule I Drug and two counts of the Sale of Prohibited Items to underage person(s).
Sheriff Cochran stated that as the investigation continues, his office anticipates more arrests in this case.
“I appreciate the cooperation between all the agencies that have and continue to work with us to address this issue within our community,” said Sheriff Cochran. He added, “We are a community that works together in efforts to keep and maintain a healthy environment for our citizens.”
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, on December 20, 2019, the United States President signed legislation amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which raised the federal minimum age for the sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age. This legislation (known as “Tobacco 21” or “T21”) was immediately effective. It is illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes – to anyone under the age of 21. The federal minimum age of sale applies to all retail establishments and persons with no exceptions.
Mashrah Tawfik Nagi, 33, Sandersville
Sandersville Tobacco & Vape Store, Walmart Circle in Sandersville
