NJ city says 8 illegal smoke shops shut down, more than 225 pounds of marijuana seized
Eleven people face charges after a citywide enforcement effort targeting unlicensed businesses.
More Stories
East Orange officials say a months-long crackdown on illegal smoke shops has led to the closure of eight businesses and the seizure of more than 225 pounds of marijuana.
The City of East Orange said the enforcement effort, involving the police department, Department of Code Enforcement and Department of Health and Human Services, also resulted in the seizure of more than $17,000 in cash and six vehicles.
Authorities said 11 people were arrested and charged separately with various offenses, including possession with intent to distribute, the most serious charge filed in most of the cases. Those charged are:
Mohamed Segan, 50, of the Bronx, New York
Amin Mohannad, 18, of Brooklyn, New York
Hisham Ahmed Qaid Alfaqih, 29, of Mount Laurel
Alexis Vladinir Balcacer, 23, of New York, New York
Otniel Rodriguez, 24, of Yonkers, New York
Ahmad Abdek Nabi Abu Khalil, 23, of Clifton
Osamah A. Mohsen, 29, of Totowa
Salah Alaheri, 19, of Brooklyn, New York
Tevin A. Harding, 31, of Newark
Akeem Coombs, 30, of Orange
Frantz A. Pierre-Louis, 31, of East Orange
The city said the businesses were operating in violation of state and local laws. Officials noted that while cannabis can be legally purchased from licensed dispensaries, products sold by unlicensed smoke shops are not subject to New Jersey's testing, labeling and quality control requirements.
Since March the city has shut down H & H Variety, Flavors, Vibez, Red Magic, K & K (Kangni Kangni), Top Dog Exotics, Elevation and T and B Convenience Store.
"The safety of our residents will always be our highest priority," Mayor Ted Green said in a statement. "When businesses choose to operate outside the law, they endanger our neighborhoods, our young people, and our community."
(Photo Credit: East Orange Police Department)
