29-04-2025
Two arrested at vape shops on Mansfield Rd, during SPD warrant operation
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Shreveport police announced the arrests of two people following the closure of a south Shreveport vape shop.
Police say they arrested Alshameri Ali and Marie Ketterman during the closure of smoke and vape shops located at 9126 Mansfield Road and 9312 Mansfield Road. SPD stated that the arrests occurred on April 23 as part of 'Operation Curveball,' an enforcement operation.
Investigators learned that the businesses were selling street drugs as well as unregulated products that are not FDA-approved. They believe that some of the items have made their way into local high schools.
'These types of businesses, when operated without proper oversight, place our children in jeopardy,' Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. 'We are committed to protecting our community from those who seek to profit at the expense of public safety.'
118 warrants served, 60 arrested made during 'Operation Curveball'
Ali was booked on two counts of distribution of narcotics and possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance.
Ketterman was arrested for the distribution of narcotics and the introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
Legislators on the criminal justice committee voted to favorably pass House Bill 176, authored by Representative Gabe Firment, that would provide more stringent regulation of certain hallucinogenic chemicals in products that are packaged in ways that appeal to youth.
If passed, HB176 would criminalize the production, manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to produce, manufacture, or distribute products intended for human consumption that contain beta-phenyl-GABA, muscimol, ibotenic acid, or any analog thereof. The aforementioned chemical compounds all have psychoactive effects.
Chief Smith stated in an SPD news release that his department is collaborating with city administrators and state legislators to explore legislation that would restrict the sale and availability of these products, particularly to minors.
A Louisiana sheriff who testified in support of the bill detailed being called for a male who had taken psychotropic medication with his girlfriend, and after taking a higher-than-recommended dose, experienced a mental episode that required medical attention.
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