A Boutte business owner has been arrested following a month-long investigation into the illegal sale of narcotics and vape products. According to a social media post by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office, detectives from the Special Investigations Division launched an inquiry into complaints about the sale of Kratom at Green Dahlia, a business located at 13174 Highway 90.
The investigation led to Osama Ottallah, the owner of Green Dahlia and an adjacent business named Advanced Home Solutions. Additionally, it was uncovered that Ottallah was renting a storage unit at a local mini storage facility, and the detectives obtained search warrants for all related properties. During the execution of the warrants on November 25, significant quantities of controlled substances were recovered, including 141.63 pounds of Kratom product, 22 pounds of THC vapes, and nearly three ounces of marijuana, among other items.
Ottallah, a 33-year-old resident of 14 Rue Calais in Kenner, now faces multiple charges. These include one count of possession with intent to distribute Kratom, two counts of distribution of Kratom, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Additional charges include possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving proceeds from CDS (controlled dangerous substance) activity, resisting an officer, certain acts declared as misdemeanors-selling without a permit, operating a vehicle with a suspended license, and a fugitive arrest. The authorities have reminded the public, "All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty," according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office.
The case brings to light the ongoing issue of illegal sales and distribution of controlled substances masquerading behind legitimate storefronts. Combating this sort of activity remains a priority for law enforcement, as evidenced by this recent bust. The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office has not disclosed if additional suspects are being sought in connection with this case or if further arrests have been made.
