Suffolk County Police have arrested four people for selling vape products to persons under 21 during compliance checks at businesses in the Third Precinct.
In response to numerous community complaints, Third Precinct Crime Section officers conducted an investigation into the sale of vape products during which eight businesses were checked for compliance with the law.
During the investigation, four businesses were found to be selling e-nicotine products to minors. The following people were arrested and charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree:
- Raza Hassan, 23, of Bay Shore, an employee of Bay Smoke Shop, located at 144 Union Blvd.
- Ameen Ramsaran, 22, of Deer Park, an employee of Vape Guru Smoke Shop, located at 26 Bay Shore Road.
- Lalit Chabra, 42, of West Islip, an employee of Shore Stationary & Gifts, located at 1292 Pine Aire Drive.
- Gamal Al-Malaiki, 44, of Brooklyn, an employee of Mo Convinces Smoke Shop, located at 1609 5th Ave.
All four employees were released on a Field Appearance Ticket and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.