Patchogue, N.Y. – As part of the SCPD’s ongoing “Operation Smoke Out,” a man has been arrested for selling flavored nicotine and vape products during a compliance check at a local smoke shop.
On Friday, May 17, 2024, Fifth Precinct Crime Section officers conducted a compliance check at J Mart & Smoke Shop, located at 580 Route 112 in Patchogue, following numerous community complaints. During the operation, Muhammad Khan, 26, of Centereach, sold flavored nicotine vape products to an undercover police officer. Approximately 450 flavored vapes containing nicotine were seized from the establishment.
This latest arrest is another bust in “Operation Smoke Out,” highlighting Suffolk County Police Department’s broader effort to crack down on illegal sales of vape products, especially those that appeal to minors.
Khan was charged with Sale of Flavored Vape Products, a violation of public health law. He was issued a Field Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
These arrests come in the context of “Operation Smoke Out,” a month-long initiative by Suffolk County Police to combat underage vape sales, as previously reported by litruecrime.com. This initiative demonstrates the department’s proactive stance against illegal vape sales and related activities, safeguarding public health and youth well-being.
If you have any information regarding the illegal sale of vape products, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department.
A criminal charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
