Oyster Bay Shuts Illegal Syosset "Head Shop"

By Nolan Cleary

An illegal "head shop" in Syosset selling drugs has been shut-down by the Town of Oyster Bay, and the Town is now before the Courts to shut the drug den permanently.

The "East Wind Exotic Vape Shop" on Jackson Avenue has been hit with numerous drug arrests and violations.

There were two different sets of drug arrests at the location, and town officials now argue the location is a public nuisance.

Last year, employees Mohammed Salem, 25, of New Hyde Park, and Shaafal Nasser Ali Ahmed, 41, of Brooklyn were both arrested for selling illegal marijuana related products. After a police search, authorities discovered more than 10 pounds of weed in the shop.

More recently, the owner was charged with selling a drug-laced chocolate, with a marijuana ingredient in it. He was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree, and is scheduled to appear back in Court in August.

The Town has filed a Court proceeding to now shut the drug-dealing location permanently.

"The Town of Oyster Bay will continue to protect our neighborhoods from illicit, unregulated activities that violate the law and put public health at risk." stated Oyster Bay Town Information Spokesman Brian Nevin.