3 Men Arrested After Drugs Found In Suffolk Deli

AMITYVILLE, NY — Three men were arrested and charged on Saturday night, after police found they had drugs inside an Amityville deli, Suffolk County police said.

Juan Hernandez, 34, who has no known address, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Manuel Martinez-Quintanilla, 31, of West Babylon, was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, police said.

The owner of the deli was also charged with second-degree criminal nuisance — a misdemeanor — for allowing people to gather in the store with the intention of using drugs, police said.

In response to community complaints, officers conducted a State Liquor Authority investigation at Shalom Delight Deli, located at 528 Broadway, at about 10 p.m.

Police worked in conjunction with the Town of Babylon and the Amityville Village Building Inspector and Fire Marshal.

Officers found two patrons — Hernandez and Martinez-Quintanilla — to be inside the store in possession of cocaine in clear view, police said.

Both were arrested, held overnight and arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Sunday.

During the investigation, unclaimed drugs were also found on the floor of the deli, police said.

The owner of the deli was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on Feb. 17.

Hernandez is due back in court on Feb. 8 and Martinez-Quintanilla is due back in court on Feb. 9.

The Village of Amityville also issued two summonses to an employee of the business for village code violations. The business has been referred to the State Liquor Authority for further investigation.