(CONCORD, N.H. - Mohamed Alam, 62, of North Andover, Massachusetts, and Murshed Salam, 47, of Salem, New Hampshire, each pleaded guilty in United States District Court for the
District of New Hampshire to selling synthetic cannabinoids announced Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Acting United States
Attorney Donald Feith. Alam and Salam were selling synthetic cannabinoids under the brand names “Crazy Monkey," “Sexy Monkey," “Family Monkey" and “Mad Monkey." Synthetic
cannabinoids are a mixture of a leafy substance that has been sprayed with chemical compounds similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. Users smoke the product. The
chemical compounds used in the manufacture of these products are ever changing and pose a significant threat to public health.
On June 26, 2013, a federal search warrant was executed at a convenience store located at 4 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts owned by Alam. The agents seized approximately 100
packages of “Monkey" products. Alam told law enforcement that he knew his customers were smoking the product even though the product packaging included a warning that the product was
not for human consumption. Alam identified Murshed Salam of Salem, New Hampshire as his supplier. Agents then went to the Global Gas Station located at 52 Lowell Road, Salem, New
Hampshire owned by Salam and seized several hundred more packages of the Monkey products. Salam was also selling the products as well as supplying Alam with the products.
The products Alam and Salam sold were misbranded because they were sold as potpourri when in fact the product was intended for use as a drug for human consumption and the product
labeling, in package form, failed to include the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, did not bear adequate directions for use, and did not bear such adequate warnings
against use.
Alam and Salam each face a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment. Alam agreed to a money forfeiture of $18,737 and Salam agreed to a money forfeiture of $18,245.
Both were released pending sentencing. The case was investigated by the North Andover Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
