4 Face Felony Charges After Probe Into Rockland Smoke Shops: DA

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Four people and five corporations have been charged following a year-long investigation into Rockland County smoke shops, District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced Friday.

"The investigation started after allegations of smoke shops selling cannabis to minors," Walsh said. "The joint investigation discovered that there were tax irregularities with sales at the smoke shops."

The DA's office and the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations with New York State agencies and local police departments executed search warrants at seven locations in Rockland County on March 4 including two Zava stores in Clarkstown, two in Orangetown, one in Suffern, and a business and a private residence in Clarkstown.

"HSI New York was proud to have played a role in one of the first major takedowns of unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in the Hudson Valley region, and remains committed to standing alongside law enforcement partners in ensuring the safety and vitality of our community," said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo.

They also obtained search warrants for bank accounts, prosecutors said.

In all, more than $400,000 and over 170 pounds of cannabis were seized from the five Zava stores, none of which were licensed to sell cannabis in the state of New York, prosecutors said.

Three Nanuet residents and a Nyack resident face charges:

• Ibrahim Alfalahi, 36 of Nanuet has been charged with one count of third-degree criminal tax fraud and five counts of second-degree criminal tax fraud, both felonies
• Abdo Alquhshi, 44 of Nyack has been charged with one count of third-degree criminal tax fraud
• Sadek Alfalahi, 29 of Nanuet has been charged with one count of third-degree criminal tax fraud
• Fateh Ahmed Alhajjaji, 36 of Nanuet has been charged with one count of third-degree criminal tax fraud

The five stores are incorporated individually. The corporate charges:

• Zava Lafayette Convenience Corp., 28 Lafayette Ave., Suffern, NY, has been charged with one counts of second-degree criminal tax fraud
• Zava Candy Inc., 214 Smith Rd., Nanuet, NY, has been charged with one count of second-degree criminal tax fraud
• Zava Flow Inc., 38-40 N. Middletown Rd., Nanuet, NY, has been charged with one count of second-degree criminal tax fraud
• Zava Central Convenience Corp., 46 E. Central Ave., Pearl River, NY, has been charged with one count of second-degree criminal tax fraud
• Zava Smoke, Inc., aka Zava Convenient Store Inc., Pearl River, NY, has been charged with one count of second-degree criminal tax fraud

“Today’s charges highlight the increased prevalence of illegal, unregulated smoke shops being opened throughout our state. Make no mistake: while the use of marijuana has been legalized in New York, businesses must adhere to tax restrictions and requirements — a fact these four defendants allegedly blatantly ignored," Arvelo said. "HSI New York was proud to have played a role in one of the first major takedowns of unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in the Hudson Valley region, and remains committed to standing alongside law enforcement partners in ensuring the safety and vitality of our community.”

Walsh commended the dedication and professionalism of Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Tax and Finance, New York State Office of Cannabis Management, New York State Police, Clarkstown Police Department, Orangetown Police Department, and the Suffern Police Department.

Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic and Assistant District Attorney
Katherine Crispi are prosecuting case.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, prosecutors said.