A Columbus business owner was arrested for possession of a controlled substance on Tuesday. Ali Qasem, 24, of 603 Mckee Street, Starkville, was arrested after agents with Columbus-Lowndes Metro Narcotics Unit seized approximately six ounces of a controlled substance referred to as khat (pronounced cot) from Ali’s Quick Stop at 1900 Main St.
Khat comes from the khat shrub; the leaves, twigs and stems are the parts of the shrub commonly abused, said officials with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency. Khat can be ingested by mouth through chewing, smoked and sprinkled on food. Common side effects include anorexia, hypertension, insomnia and gastric disorders. It also can cause physical exhaustion, violence, manic behaviors, hallucinations and suicidal depression. The street value of khat varies based on supply, but DEA material notes khat can be relatively costly.
“Ali’s Quick Stop is a part of a larger drug distribution network that operates in this area,” said Columbus Police Chief Selvain McQueen. “On November 8, 2011, agents executed a search warrant at 1917 Main St. and arrested two individuals for sale of cocaine and sale of other controlled substances. That operation is still ongoing and more arrests will be made.”
Qasem remains in the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center, pending his initial appearance in Lowndes County Justice Court.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.