Operator of Unlicensed Marijuana Distribution Business Pleads Guilty to Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises and Possession of Oxycodone and Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

The operator of a Rainier Valley marijuana business pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two felonies: operating a drug involved premises, and possession of oxycodone and marijuana with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.  KELED ALI, 28, of Seattle was arrested in October 2018, following an ATF and Seattle Police Department investigation of drug activity and gang related shootings near ‘One Stop,’ a marijuana distribution business in the 5300 block of Rainier Avenue South.  Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez scheduled sentencing for May 24, 2019.

According to records filed in the case, law enforcement became aware of gang activity related to the marijuana distribution business following a fatal shooting in December 2017 and a drive-by shooting in March 2018.  ‘One Stop’ was not a licensed marijuana distributor under state or federal law.  When undercover officers sought to investigate activities at the storefront, they were told marijuana could only be sold to customers introduced by other “members of their club.”  On March 5, 2018, law enforcement executed a court authorized search warrant at the store.  From a safe in the store officers recovered a 9 mm semi-automatic firearm, and they seized more than three pounds of marijuana from the store. 

In October 2018, ALI was arrested after law enforcement observed him make numerous drug sales.  In ALI’s car law enforcement found more than two pounds of marijuana and 45 oxycodone pills packaged for resale.

Maintaining a drug involved premises, and possession of marijuana and oxycodone with intent to distribute are both punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes.  The sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms &Explosives (ATF) and the Seattle Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.