Montco Store Owner Convicted Of Selling Synthetic Drugs Headed To Prison
By Brad Segall
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - The first convenience store owner in Montgomery County convicted of selling synthetic drugs is headed to state prison for at least seven years.
It was a fatal one car crash in May of last year that led investigators to begin looking into the Achi Store on High Street in Pottstown. They learned that K2 was sold at the store just prior to the accident that killed two people.
Judge Steven O'Neill told former store owner Rafie Ali "on that day you dealt in death" and sentenced the 35-year-old man to seven to 14 years.
"That is a consequence of profiting from selling illegal substances," prosecutor Kevin Steele said. "People should be aware that people may die from this type of substance."
A jury convicted Ali of numerous charges including corrupt organizations, drug possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy.
A former store employee pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges (see related story) for selling the drug that day and is expected to be sentenced next week.
