Murray auto shop owner arrested with bath salts, Oxycontin in federal drug investigation

Murray, Utah (ABC4) — The owner of a Murray auto repair shop was arrested Wednesday in a federal drug distribution investigation, according to Taylorsville Police.

Muayad Kareem, 47, was arrested on two counts of distribution/offer/arrangement of a controlled substance (second-degree felony) and purchase, transfer, possession, or use of a firearm by a restricted person (third-degree felony).

Kareem was allegedly distributing synthetic cathinones, also known as Alpha PVP or “bath salt,” and Oxycontin pills out of his Taylorsville auto shop and White City residence, according to a joint investigation between the Drug Enforcement Administration and Taylorsville Police.

On March 6, authorities executed two search warrants at Kareem’s home and place of business. Prior to serving the warrant at Kareem’s home, police found Kareem leaving the home in a grey Mercedes and initiated a traffic stop.

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Police found Kareem in possession of a prescription bottle of M30 Oxycontin pills and a large quantity of money. Police also found a laptop bag containing a revolver and three bags of bath salt.

The amount and packaging indicated that the drugs were meant for distribution and not personal use, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Police also found multiple unmarked prescription bottles of pills and large quantities of money at Kareem’s auto shop.

Kareem was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on the charges previously mentioned.

No further information is available at this time.

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