June 22, 2001 – A well-known St. Thomas businessman was arrested Thursday on charges that he illegally sold more than 1,000 grams of Vicodin, a prescription painkiller. According to the Virgin Islands Daily News, the arrest of Salem Salem came after federal agents conducted a sting operation at a pharmacy where Salem was working.
Federal court documents indicate that the sting operation began with a federal witness telephoning the pharmacy owned by Rushdi Salem to arrange for the sale of 1,000 Vicodin tablets. The witness traveled to St. Thomas and purchased the controlled narcotic around 11 a.m.
At the time of the sale, Salem Salem was the pharmacist on duty. The witness paid $3,000 for the painkillers, the Daily News said. The court documents indicated that at the time the tablets were dispensed, Salem did not request a prescription, nor did he diagnose an illness as requiring the drugs. Vicodin is a narcotic prescribed for pain. It is addictive.
Salem Salem, who holds an interest in V.I. Pharmacy, Jewelry and Liquor on Main Street, also has financial interests in Furniture Discount Center, Value Furniture and American Furniture.
