Giles County Store Shut Down: PULASKI, Tenn. A local businessman in Giles County, whose store recently faced closure as a “public nuisance,” may be confronting more severe charges, as indicated by D.A. Brent Cooper, whose office collaborated with officers in the investigation.
On October 26, Giles County deputies took action to shut down the Honeysuckle Market in Pulaski at 715 North First Street.
News 2 obtained video footage capturing the moment deputies entered the store, encountering Adel Basta within his own establishment, delivering the news of the business closure.
The closure of the market, now cordoned off with crime tape, follows months of investigation into the alleged sale of vapes and alcohol to underage buyers.
In August, News 2 aired undercover footage from Giles County depicting an underage individual purchasing alcohol and vape products from the market.
Investigator Mike Thomason led the investigation, expressing frustration with Basta’s actions. “[Basta] went before the Pulaski beer board, and they pulled his license for 30 days and fined him $10,000, and he just goes right back to doing his criminal activity,” Thomason stated.
According to Thomason, 53-year-old Basta had been receiving shipments of THC vapes from California through the US Mail. Some products, containing 88% THC, were allegedly stored at his home.
The cost of these THC vapes from California is $45 apiece. He instructs the clerks to ring these up on the register as newspaper. $45 newspaper. That way it is not taxed. And he is laundering his money on this drug stuff through his business, Thomason explained.
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D.A. Cooper informed News 2 that charges against Basta are imminent, pending lab results and the conclusion of the investigation. Thomason also confirmed the interest of federal investigators in the case.
In a statement to News 2, Brent Cooper of the 22nd Judicial District conveyed, “The illegal sale of vapes and cannabis products have become rampant in this district. Hopefully, this case will serve as notice that law enforcement is not turning a blind eye to it.”