Five Arrested in "Project 21" Crackdown on Underage Alcohol and Tobacco Sales in Nassau County
The Fifth Precinct Special Patrol Officers and the Problem Oriented Policing Unit report the arrests of five (5) males during a “Project 21” initiative, which targets the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to minors.
The initiative was conducted on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 5:55 pm with the assistance of underage agents and the Town of Hempstead Buildings Department.
The initiative resulted in the arrests of the following individuals:
Mohammeds Ahmed, 32, of Elmont sold products to a minor at Cigar Shop, located at 197 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Square.
Ambalal Patel, 49, of Flushing sold products to a minor at Dogwood Smoke Shop, located at 702 Dogwood Avenue, Franklin Square.
Alex Bonilla, 41, of Elmont sold products to a minor at Elmont Grocery, located at 1391 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont.
Bah Ahmedou, 22, of Brooklyn sold products to a minor at Linden Exotic, located at 237-13 Linden Blvd, Elmont.
Justin Joyner, 21, of Cambria Heights was in possession of a large quantity of marijuana at Linden Exotic, located at 237-13 Linden Boulevard, Elmont.
Defendants Ahmed, Patel and Bonilla are all charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child and other violations. They were released on Appearance Tickets returnable to First District Court on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Defendant Joyner is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree and Criminal Possession of Cannabis 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.
Defendant Ahmedou is charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree, Criminal Possession of Cannabis 2nd Degree and other violations. He will be arraigned on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.