SHREVEPORT, La. – Two individuals were arrested and two vape shops were shut down as part of Operation Curveball, the Shreveport Police Department’s citywide initiative targeting criminal activity involving illegal drugs, firearms, and threats to public safety.
On April 23, 2025, agents with the department’s Vice Unit conducted enforcement operations at vape shops located at 9126 and 9312 Mansfield Road. The action followed an investigation into the alleged sale of illegal substances to underage and vulnerable individuals.
During the operation, police arrested Alshameri Ali and Marie Ketterman.
Ali faces the following charges:
Two counts of distribution of narcotics Possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance
Ketterman was charged with:
Distribution of narcotics Introduction of contraband into a penal facility
According to investigators, the businesses were allegedly selling illicit street drugs and unregulated products not approved by the FDA. Some of these items reportedly contained harmful chemicals and may have made their way into local schools. Authorities believe the products were being marketed in a way designed to attract younger consumers.
“These types of businesses, when operated without proper oversight, place our children in jeopardy,” said Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith. “We are committed to protecting our community from those who seek to profit at the expense of public safety.”
Chief Smith is working with city officials and state lawmakers to explore new legislation aimed at restricting the sale of dangerous and unregulated products, particularly to minors.
Operation Curveball remains an active and ongoing effort to address threats to the health and safety of Shreveport residents.
