Police Shut Down Four Convenience Stores in West Greenville

Police say they’ve shut down some major crime stops in the area.

By: Parul Joshi | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: July 09, 2009

Earlier today, Greenville Police along with state and federal agents, arrested 8 convenience store owners and operators.

Ahmed Abdullah, Fahmi Abdullah, Yasir Abdullah and Mohammed Hussein of Pitt Stop One face federal charges for ITSP (Interstate Transport of Stolen Property), receiving stolen property, wire fraud, theft of government funds, conspiracy and money laundering.

Ahmed Alwarak and Ali Mohamed of Greenville Stop One and Greenville Stop Two face the same charges. And, Tareq Zeidan and Sudki Zeidan of Superfresh convenient store face felony and misdemeanor receiving stolen property, aid and abet receiving of stolen goods.

Police are still looking for Fadi Hamida in connection to those charges.

This isn't the first time cops have worked the stores. Police say these stores have become a breeding ground for violent crimes.

Greenville police say their gang unit had a feeling nothing good was going on here.
Chief William Anderson says, "It was common knowledge that you could go to these places and sell illegal cigarettes and sell baby formula, the Electronic Benefits Transfer cards you could go and exchange them for cash."

Anderson believes that activity attracted bigger problems. From robberies, assaults to drug deals and murders, Anderson calls these stores crime hubs: "The owners of these locations, the persons who was working at these locations, were well aware of the activity going on and in many instances condoning it by allowing them to hide drugs and other materials inside the store,"

City leaders say they hope these arrests will mean a positive difference for the community. They say they've already heard feedback from those who live in the area saying they are happy to see these businesses shut down."

Councilwoman Rose Glover says her law-abiding citizens are relieved: "They were ready for those stores to leave our community; and they feel safe now."

Glover and Chief Anderson say they hope these businesses will never be allowed to operate again.

Operation Inconvenience was a 6-month long investigation. According to police, they found more than $167,000.00 worth of merchandise and government food stamp funds that had been sold to the individuals arrested today.