Four men were arrested on suspicion of selling drugs, some disguised as candy, in two stores in Long Island (NY), one of them near an elementary school
Four men were arrested in Long Island (NY) on suspicion of selling drugs, some disguised as candy, in stores in Bay Shore and West Islip, one of them near an elementary school.
Following community complaints, police executed search warrants Tuesday afternoon at the Exit 42 Deli located at 270 Spur Drive South in Bay Shore, and at the Legit 100 Smoke Shop at 165 Higbie Lane in West Islip. During the search, large quantities of psilocybin mushrooms, concentrated cannabis, marijuana and cocaine were seized.
Additionally, detectives discovered narcotics packaged as brand-name candy bars and marketed to children at the West Islip store, which is located a thousand feet from an elementary school, News12 reported.
Following the execution of the search warrants, the business owners, Ali Anwar (44) and Hasnain Anwar (42), were arrested. They also arrested two store employees: Joseph Orso (47) and Shevin Mahabal (30).
Police warned parents to be vigilant about what their children buy. “This was a priority. I would tell parents to be super vigilant about what kinds of things their kids are buying and looking for,” said Detective Lt. Dylan Friedlander of the Suffolk County Police Department.
All charges are mere accusations and the persons prosecuted are presumed innocent until proven guilty.