Suffolk Delis Busted For Selling Drugs Disguised As Candy: PD

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Four men were arrested and charged on Tuesday afternoon, after they sold drugs disguised as candy bars at Bay Shore and West Islip stores — one being near an elementary school — Suffolk County police said.

Following community complaints, officers executed search warrants around 4 p.m. at Exit 42 Deli, located at 270 Spur Drive South in Bay Shore, and Legit 100 Smoke Shop, located at 165 Higbie Lane in West Islip.

Officers seized large quantities of mushrooms with psilocybin, concentrated cannabis, marijuana and cocaine from both stores.

Additionally, detectives discovered narcotics packaged as name-brand candy bars and marketed toward children near the front door of the West Islip store, which is located within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.

Ali Anwar, owner of both the businesses, and three employees were arrested, police said.

Their names and charges include:

• Anwar, 44, of West Islip, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree trademark counterfeiting, two counts of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, and criminal sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds.
• Hasnain Anwar, 42, of Seaford, was charged with fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, and criminal sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds.
• Shevin Mahabal, 30, of Valley Stream, was charged with fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal possession of cannabis, third-degree criminal possession of cannabis 3rd Degree, and second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia.

• Joseph Orso, 47, of Hempstead, was charged with four counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

All four men are being held at the Third Precinct and are scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on Wednesday.