Multi-Agency Inspection at Weiss Mart Motel and Store Leads to Seizure of Suspected Illegal Items, Business Closures

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News | March 9, 2026

CEDAR BLUFF, Ala. —A multi-agency inspection conducted at a Weiss Mart Motel and convenience store Friday resulted in the discovery of suspected illegal substances, the seizure of a liquor license, the temporary closure of two businesses, and the arrest of one individual.

According to the Cedar Bluff Police Department, officers conducted an inspection on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Weiss Mart Motel and Weiss Mart Marina convenience store, located at 3480 Alabama Highway 9, after receiving multiple complaints regarding potential ordinance violations and suspected illegal narcotics activity at the location.

Due to concerns about potential life-safety violations at the property, the Cedar Bluff Police Department requested assistance from the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Representatives from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Town of Cedar Bluff’s Building Inspector, and officers with the Cedar Bluff Police Department responded to the location and made contact with the owner and manager of the property.

While speaking with the individual on site, officers reported observing suspected illegal substances in plain view inside one of the motel rooms.

Authorities then conducted a search of the motel, the owner’s vehicle, and the store located on the property.

During the search, officers reported discovering numerous items believed to be illegal in all three locations. Items recovered included kratom products, hemp products, marijuana, THC vape devices and pens, a large amount of U.S. currency, and various items of drug paraphernalia, according to officials.

(Image courtesy of Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office)

As a result of the investigation, Vikash Mishra was arrested and booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center on multiple charges, including:

• Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Unlawful Possession of Hemp

• Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, 2nd Degree

• Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance

Authorities also reported that additional drug paraphernalia and related items were seized during the investigation.

While officers were on scene at the store, an agent with the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board arrived to conduct a separate compliance inspection. During that inspection, officials reported that proper documentation could not be produced for the business.

Authorities stated that citations are expected to be issued, and the store’s liquor license was seized during the inspection.

Officials further stated that both the Weiss Mart Motel and Weiss Mart Marina convenience store will remain closed until the owner obtains the proper licensing and corrects the violations identified during the inspection process.

Cedar Bluff Police Chief Jeremy Stepps expressed appreciation to the officers of the Cedar Bluff Police Department and the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office for their assistance during the investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Continue following The Weekly Ledger News for all your local, late-breaking, and community news.

We Keep You Connected and Informed

© 2026 The Weekly Ledger News. All rights reserved.