Things are looking up for a neighborhood in Carlisle, once plaqued by a convenient store that was selling synthetic drugs. A second nuisance store in the Borough could soon have a new owner.
Last summer, police raided two convenience stores in Carlisle. They seized thousands of packets of illegal synthetic drugs being sold over the counter.
Under a forfeiture proceeding, the Cumberland County District Attorney took ownership of the buildings, closed the businesses and put the properties up for sale.
Cops raided "Deli Creation" in the 600 block of West Louther Street, last July, and seized 5,000 doses of the drugs. Owner 49-year-old Nader Alajlouni pleaded guilty to one count of felony distribution and delivery of designer drugs. He was recently sentenced to 2 ½ years of probation.
"NS Deli" in the first block of West Willow Street Police got 15,000 doses of bath salts and synthetic marijuana. Owner 53-year-old Samir Halabi is scheduled for trial for the middle of next month.
The men agreed to forfeit $50,000 in proceeds. District Attorney Dave Freed got another $300,000 when he sold the West Louther Street property. "We wanted to get the bath salts and synthetic drugs off the street, and we did. We forfeited the properties. We turned that forfeiture into proceeds that can help us with drug investigation. We met that goal and we were able to clean up a blighted neighborhood."
Ajit Patel's father bought the former "Deli Creations". He owns a convenience store in Boiling Springs.
On Wednesday, crews were working on the latest purchase, getting it ready to open. Patel says neighbors are excited something new is coming in. "A lot of neighbors have been stopping in inquiring about the store what's going to be inside. Itold them it's going to be real nice deli with the convenient store they were really excited."
Patel says his family looks forward to serving the neighborhood. He hopes to open on March 15, perhaps earlier.
The district attorney says the former "NS Deli" is also for sale. A buyer has been identified and a contract signed. Only details remain to be worked out.
Last summer, police raided two convenience stores in Carlisle. They seized thousands of packets of illegal synthetic drugs being sold over the counter.
Under a forfeiture proceeding, the Cumberland County District Attorney took ownership of the buildings, closed the businesses and put the properties up for sale.
Cops raided "Deli Creation" in the 600 block of West Louther Street, last July, and seized 5,000 doses of the drugs. Owner 49-year-old Nader Alajlouni pleaded guilty to one count of felony distribution and delivery of designer drugs. He was recently sentenced to 2 ½ years of probation.
"NS Deli" in the first block of West Willow Street Police got 15,000 doses of bath salts and synthetic marijuana. Owner 53-year-old Samir Halabi is scheduled for trial for the middle of next month.
The men agreed to forfeit $50,000 in proceeds. District Attorney Dave Freed got another $300,000 when he sold the West Louther Street property. "We wanted to get the bath salts and synthetic drugs off the street, and we did. We forfeited the properties. We turned that forfeiture into proceeds that can help us with drug investigation. We met that goal and we were able to clean up a blighted neighborhood."
Ajit Patel's father bought the former "Deli Creations". He owns a convenience store in Boiling Springs.
On Wednesday, crews were working on the latest purchase, getting it ready to open. Patel says neighbors are excited something new is coming in. "A lot of neighbors have been stopping in inquiring about the store what's going to be inside. Itold them it's going to be real nice deli with the convenient store they were really excited."
Patel says his family looks forward to serving the neighborhood. He hopes to open on March 15, perhaps earlier.
The district attorney says the former "NS Deli" is also for sale. A buyer has been identified and a contract signed. Only details remain to be worked out.