Years-long investigation into tobacco shops in Rockland leads to guilty pleas

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II says a year-long investigation into the alleged illegal sale of cannabis through smoke shops in Rockland has resulted in guilty pleas from three individuals and five businesses. The confessions were made in a jury trial presided over by Judge Kevin Russo.

According to Walsh, his 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, including two tobacco shops in the town of Clarkstown, two in the town of Orangetown, one in the village of Suffern, and a store and private residence in Clarkstown.

Law enforcement seized bank accounts valued at over $415,000 and 405 pounds of cannabis. The individuals who admitted guilt in the cases were three Nyack residents: Ibrahim Alfalahi, Abdo Alquhshi and Sadek Alfalahi.

The following companies have admitted guilt: Zava Lafayette Convenience Corp., 28 Lafayette Ave., Suffern; Zava Candy Inc., 214 Smith Rd., Nanuet; Zava Flow Inc., 38-40 N. Middletown Rd., Nanuet; Zava Central Convenience Corp., 46 E. Central Ave., Pearl River; and Zava Smoke, Inc., also known as Zava Convenient Store Inc., Pearl River.

“I would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Tax and Finance, New York State Office of Cannabis Management and local law enforcement for their assistance in this case,” Walsh said. “We will continue to work to ensure that all business in Rockland County is conducted lawfully.”

Amanda Hiller, acting commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, said: “By operating illegal cannabis shops and ignoring their tax obligations, these companies deprived their communities of revenue needed to support important programs and services and put other businesses at a competitive disadvantage.”

The verdict for the defendants is scheduled for October 17.