By Staff Report
On Tuesday, December 9, the Bonifay Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) executed a search warrant at ZBY Smoke Shop, located at 1991 S. Waukesha Street in Bonifay.
The investigation began after the Bonifay Police Department (BPD) received information indicating that controlled substances were being sold inside the business. During the investigation, the department contacted the Florida Department of Alcohol and Tobacco (ABT) and the Florida Department of Agriculture for assistance. It was determined that the business did not possess the proper licenses required to operate legally. Based on the initial complaint, CIB investigators conducted an undercover operation at the store. During the operation, the store owner, Ghazi Abdulfattah Al Duais, illegally sold a product to an underage individual.
Evidence obtained during the undercover purchase, along with information gathered from additional sources, led the Criminal Investigation Bureau to secure arrest and search warrants for the owner and the business.
During the execution of the search warrant, investigators located and seized evidence from within the business. The investigation remains ongoing, pending further follow-up with ABT and the Department of Agriculture.
As a result, both businesses located at 1991 S. Waukesha Street (ZBY Smoke Shop) and 503 S. Waukesha Street (KCY Smoke Shop) were closed pending proper licensing with the Department of Agriculture and ABT.
The business owner, Ghazi Abdulfattah Al Duais, was subsequently arrested and transported to the Holmes County Jail for booking.
The BPD extends its appreciation to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Alcohol and Tobacco, and the Florida Department of Agriculture.
According to Chief Whitaker: “We will not tolerate businesses operating outside the law. While we understand some people purchase and use these products legally, we also see these same products being sold and used by the youth within our community. If they intend to sell these products here, they will be held fully accountable—especially when they prey on our youth.”
The BPD voiced that it remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of the community.
GARETT VALCOURT 