MIDDLESBORO, KY - The Bell County Ky. Sheriff's Department is reporting that: After an extensive investigation relating to the distribution of suspected Marijuana and Marijuana derivatives, Bell County Deputies investigated a felony Marijuana trafficking operation at the Happy Smoke Shop in the Middlesboro Crossing Shopping Center.
Officers conducting the operation made controlled purchases, and surveillance determined the establishment did not ID, which placed juveniles in danger of possessing the controlled substance. The investigation was initiated after multiple agencies received multiple tips and evidence relating to other cases linking the business to the trafficking of Marijuana.
This multi-agency, months-long investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant Friday afternoon, June 20, 2025, at the store. Deputies located a large amount of Marijuana, cash, and drug paraphernalia consistent with the trafficking of Marijuana.
Arrested were 39-year-old Amer A. Allabani and 22-year-old Jared Cabrera, both of Galax, Virginia.
Both individuals were booked into the Bell County Detention Center, charged with:
- Trafficking in Marijuana (8oz. to 5lbs.) - 1st offense
- Acquiring property from income from trafficking in a controlled substance
Agencies assisting with this investigation were DESI East, Knox County Ky. Sheriff’s Department, Pineville Police Department, and the US Marshal Service.
Deputy Hunter Luttrell is leading this investigation.
More charges are pending.
