Joint Investigation Into Rockland County Smoke Shops Nets Four Felony Arrests

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced that four individuals and five corporations have been charged following a year-long investigation into Rockland County smoke shops.

On March 4, 2024, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office; the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations; New York State agencies, and local police departments executed search warrants at seven locations in Rockland County. Search warrants were executed at two smoke shops in the Town of Clarkstown, two in the Town of Orangetown, one in the Village of Suffern, and additional search warrants were executed at a business and a private residence in Clarkstown. During the execution of the search warrants on the locations and bank accounts, in excess of $400,000 and over 170 pounds of cannabis were seized from the five Zava stores. None of the Zava stores were licensed to sell cannabis in the state of New York.

– Ibrahim Alfalahi, 36 of Nanuet, NY has been charged with one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree (D Felony) and five counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Second Degree (C Felony).

– Abdo Alquhshi, 44 of Nyack, NY has been charged with one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree (D Felony).

– Sadek Alfalahi, 29 of Nanuet, NY has been charged with one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree (D Felony).

– Fateh Ahmed Alhajjaji, 36 of Nanuet, NY has been charged with one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree (D Felony).

– Zava Lafayette Convenience Corp., 28 Lafayette Ave., Suffern, NY, has been charged with one counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Second Degree (C Felony)

– Zava Candy Inc., 214 Smith Rd., Nanuet, NY, has been charged with one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Second Degree (C Felony)

– Zava Flow Inc., 38-40 N. Middletown Rd., Nanuet, NY, has been charged with one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Second Degree (C Felony)

– Zava Central Convenience Corp., 46 E. Central Ave., Pearl River, NY, has been charged with one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Second Degree (C Felony)

– Zava Smoke, Inc., aka Zava Convenient Store Inc., Pearl River, NY, has been charged with one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Second Degree (C Felony)

District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “Today’s arrests are a result of search warrants executed at seven locations in connection with Rockland County smoke shops following a year-long investigation led by my Office working with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local level. The investigation started after allegations of smoke shops selling cannabis to minors. The joint investigation discovered that there were tax irregularities with sales at the smoke shops. I am committed to ensuring that all business in Rockland County is conducted lawfully. I commend the dedication and professionalism from 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 for working with Rockland County District Attorney’s Office in this investigation.”

“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,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. “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.”

“I commend the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division for their work with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and the other agencies involved in shutting down these illegal smoke shops,” said New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “We’ll continue to work with all our partners in law enforcement to uncover tax evasion and ensure that businesses are adhering to the law.”

The following agencies were involved with the investigation: Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, 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 the case.

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