PERU, Ind. (April 10) – Indiana State Excise Police officers arrested two men today in their investigation into counterfeit goods and drug sales at a Peru convenience store.

Excise police arrested Amin Ali Saleh, 31, of Peru, on a warrant for counterfeiting, and Khalil Ali Saleh, 35, also of Peru, on a warrant for forgery and counterfeiting – all felonies – as part of their on-going investigation at Peru Stop & Go, 452 W. Main Street.

Store owner Amin Ali Saleh – who now faces the additional charge of counterfeiting – was arrested on preliminary charges of maintaining a common nuisance, possession of synthetic marijuana or a lookalike substance, dealing in synthetic marijuana or a lookalike substance and possession of drug paraphernalia on March 26.

A third man, Yassin Ali Shayef Saleh, 35, of Peru, remains wanted on preliminary charges of forgery and counterfeiting in connection with this investigation.

On March 26, State Excise Police and the Peru Police Department served a search warrant at Peru Stop & Go to look for evidence related to the sale of counterfeit goods. What turned into a four-month investigation into counterfeit goods and drug sales began when officers saw what appeared to be counterfeit merchandise in the store in Nov. 2013.

During their search last month, officers seized approximately 20 grams of suspected synthetic marijuana, hundreds of items of paraphernalia and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency from the BP-branded store.

Also on March 26, officers searched a residence at 6 N. Holman in Peru, where they also seized more suspected synthetic marijuana and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.

Anyone with information concerning violations of Indiana law anywhere that alcohol or tobacco products are sold should contact the State Excise Police at (765) 362-8815.

Officers were assisted by Miami County Prosecutor Bruce Embrey throughout their investigation.

As the enforcement division of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, the primary mission of the Indiana State Excise Police is to promote public safety by enforcingIndiana’s Alcoholic Beverage Code. While excise officers have the authority to enforce any state law, they focus primarily on alcohol, tobacco and related laws.

Criminal Charges: All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

With favorable spring weather coming our way, people are taking advantage by walking, jogging and bike riding on our local roadways. The potential exists that some people may come across trash left behind by those who have manufactured methamphetamine (meth). TheIndiana State Police Meth Suppression Section wants to remind citizens that this trash may contain chemicals that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, and acidic. The combination of these chemicals could cause an explosion, fire or burns if they come into direct contact with the skin.

The Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section, have identified some points for the public to keep in mind.

• Meth cooks are using a variety of containers to manufacture their product. A popular container is the one and a half gallon gas can. These cans appear to be new and have been found along the roadside by unknowing people who believe that they have found a new gas can and end up with a working meth lab.

• Other Items to be aware of include battery casings, Ziploc style bags, empty blister packs, and containers (pop-bottles, jars, etc.) that contain a granular material. They may or may not have a tube extending out of the top depending on whether it is a hydrochloric gas generator (HCL) or a one pot reaction. Both of these are extremely hazardous.

• Be aware of any type of cylinder found in an odd place (middle of a field, ditch line, wooded area) that has a modified valve. The valve will typically be modified in some way and will have a bright blue color to it. These cylinders are used to store or transport anhydrous ammonia, which is an extremely dangerous gas when direct contact or inhalation has occurred.

If someone comes across this type of trash, they should not handle it. Instead, contact the localIndiana State Police Post, which can be found at the following link: http://www.in.gov/isp/2382.htm .

Any questions or concerns about meth can be directed to the Meth Suppression Section at (877) 855-METH or online at www.meth.in.gov.