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LAUDERDALE COUNTY-On 05/30/2024 Agents with the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at HT General Merchandise at 6591 Highway 17. The business is north of the city of Florence and just south of Wilson High School. The search warrant was obtained due to the drug dealing activities of the owners and/or employees of the business.
A search of the business revealed over 200 bottles of Tianeptine and multiple packs of Kratom being located hidden in an ice machine in the rear of the business. Also located was over $12,000.
Located in the $12,000 was money the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force used to purchase Kratom and/or Tianeptine. The substances were both stored and obtained in the rear of the store. The substances were not where customers could see them.
Tianeptine and Kratom are both controlled substances in the state of Alabama.
The Lauderdale County Drug Task Force in the past has received numerous complaints about abuse and the selling of Kratom and Tianeptine. Following up on these complaints allowed this case to be made. The business is less than a mile from Wilson Elementary School and Wilson High School. There are additional penalties that can be added for selling illegal controlled substances within three miles of a school.
Tianeptine is also known as ZA ZA, Tianna, Tianna Red, and gas station heroin.
Arrested and charged:
Phuong Van Trinh 43, Florence
Trafficking in Controlled Substance
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance (5 Counts)
Trang Thuy Trinh 45, Florence
Trafficking in Controlled Substance
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance (6 counts)
Agencies assisting the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force during this investigation were the Florence Police Department, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office.
Additional charges or upgraded charges are expected.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Media Release/Lauderdale County Sheriff
