Police in Marion showed up at a West Chestnut Street home last Wednesday with a search warrant — and what they walked out with tells a story far bigger than a small-town drug stop.
Inside the 1000 block of W. Chestnut Street, officers uncovered more than 12 pounds of marijuana that hadn’t come from anywhere nearby. Investigators say it was shipped directly from the Bronx, New York — raising questions about how deep this operation actually ran.
“More than 12 lbs. of marijuana… shipped to Marion from the Bronx, New York.” — Marion Police Department
But the marijuana wasn’t even the strangest part of the haul.
What Else Was Inside the Home
Alongside the cannabis, officers recovered over 1,200 grams of khat — a plant-based stimulant classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the U.S., putting it in the same legal category as heroin. Police also found kratom, a separate substance that sits in a legal gray zone in Marion — illegal to sell within city limits, but not illegal to possess.
On top of the drugs, investigators seized an undisclosed amount of cash and one handgun.
The Man Now Facing Charges
Ali M. Zubaidi, 31, was arrested at the scene. The Marion resident now faces three charges: cannabis trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of cannabis by a driver.
Police have not yet said whether additional arrests are expected or whether the investigation is ongoing.
Why This Case Stands Out
Most local drug busts stay local. This one had a supply chain. The direct shipment link from New York to a residential address in Marion suggests this wasn’t a casual operation — and investigators may not be done yet.
The Marion Police Department has not confirmed whether charges will be expanded. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
