Two people arrested at a Florence store after DTF found a large quantity of controlled substances

FLORENCE, Alabama (WHNT) – Two Florence store owners were arrested after a search turned up a large quantity of controlled substances, according to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office.

On Thursday, agents with the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force raided HT General Merchandise. The search warrant was obtained due to the “drug trafficking activities of the owners.”
and/or employees of the company.”

The sheriff’s office said it has received numerous complaints about the abuse and sale of tianteptine and kratom, both of which are considered controlled substances in Alabama.

According to LCSO, agents found over 200 bottles of Tianteptin and several packages of Kratom, all hidden in an ice machine, as well as $12,000. The money and drugs were hidden so customers couldn’t see them.

According to the sheriff’s office, agents found money in this amount that the drug squad had used to purchase the drugs.

Phuong Van Trinh, 43, was charged with drug trafficking and five counts of illegal distribution of a controlled substance. Trang Thuy Trinh, 45, was charged with drug trafficking and six counts of illegal distribution of a controlled substance.

According to LCSO, additional or higher charges are to be expected.