Drug busts lead to City wanting to shut market down

City Moves to Close Phongsavanh Oriental Market

"Late today, the City of Greensboro revoked the privilege license of the Phongsavanh Oriental Market at 1810 Coliseum Blvd. The move to close the business comes one day after a search warrant was issued and the market’s managers were arrested.

The City attorney’s office, in conjunction with the City collections staff, initiated today’s action after the latest in a series of criminal activities at the business created the opportunity to revoke the privilege license due to zoning violations involving illegal gambling and drug sales. On Thursday, Greensboro Police arrested Siphonexay Phongsavanh, 45, and his wife, Sengnalone Phongsavanh, 41, of 2505 Rowe St. The couple, who manages the market, each face charges of Illegal Sports Betting, Maintaining a Dwelling for Schedule I and Schedule VI Narcotics, Felony Conspiracy, Possession of Schedule I Narcotics, Possession Schedule VI Narcotics, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The revocation of the business license means the business must close immediately. However, the owners of the market can appeal to the City of Greensboro Board of Adjustment and the business can remain open pending the appeal. The appeal hearing would be held during the last week of May, 2014. In the interim, the City is continuing to seek further measures to permanently close the market."

A Press Release