Suffolk County, NY — As part of the ongoing “Operation Smoke Out,” Suffolk County Police conducted compliance checks across multiple locations, leading to the arrest of four individuals for selling flavored vape and tobacco products to underage customers.
Coram Arrests: On Thursday, May 23, 2024, Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers conducted compliance checks at four stores in Coram, focusing on the sales of vape products. Two of the stores were found to be non-compliant, resulting in the arrest of two employees.
- Hussain Shaiq, 23, of Ronkonkoma, employed at Koncept Smoke Shop located at 35 Middle Country Road, was charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis.
- Imonie Woody, 22, of Coram, employed at Irie Vaporization Wellness and Scents located at 2 Middle Country Road, was charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree.
Both Shaiq and Woody were issued Field Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
Brentwood and Islip Terrace Arrests: On the same day, Third Precinct Crime Section officers conducted compliance checks at five stores in Brentwood and Islip Terrace, again focusing on vape product sales. Two stores were found to be non-compliant, resulting in the arrest of two additional employees.
- Taghi Sidi, 24, of Brentwood, employed at Bougatfa Zero Smoke Shop located at 656 Suffolk Ave., Brentwood, was charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree.
- Anthony Jordan, 34, of Islip Terrace, employed at Mr. Vape located at 876-11 Connetquot Ave., Islip Terrace, was also charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree.
Sidi and Jordan were similarly issued Field Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
These arrests highlight Suffolk County Police’s ongoing efforts to curb the illegal sale of vape and tobacco products to minors through the “Operation Smoke Out” initiative. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any violations and ensure compliance with age-related sales laws to protect the health and safety of the community’s youth.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
