Major Cannabis Operation Unveils Arrests and Seizures
On Thursday, October 23, Suffolk County police announced the arrest of seven individuals during raids targeting multiple cannabis businesses on Long Island. The operation was initiated following numerous complaints from the community about four stores branded as "Organically Connected," which were suspected of engaging in illegal cannabis sales.
The coordinated effort involved several key law enforcement agencies, including the Narcotics Section, Asset Forfeiture Unit, and multiple precinct investigative units, alongside the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Office of Financial Services, and the Internal Revenue Service. This multi-agency collaboration highlights the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the issue of illegal cannabis activity in the region.
Locations and Seizures
The four stores under investigation were located in Port Jefferson, Patchogue, Huntington, and Ronkonkoma. All of these locations have been shut down as part of the ongoing probe. During the raids, investigators confiscated over 100 pounds of cannabis, along with various edibles and hallucinogens, as well as more than $50,000 in cash.
Individuals Charged
The following individuals were charged in connection with the operation:
- Maxime Boucard, 43, of Brentwood, faces charges of Criminal Possession of a Weapon (4th Degree) and Security Guard Without a License.
- Eleanor Dlouhy, 23, of Coram, and Ivalisse Avila, 24, of Selden, each face charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (2nd and 7th Degrees) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon (4th Degree).
- Kalea Wetsell, 21, of Coram, and Alexandra Akhalkatsi, 37, of the Bronx, were both charged with Criminal Possession of Cannabis (2nd Degree).
- Curtis Thompson, 38, of Coram, and Andres Santos, 43, of Huntington, were charged with Security Guard Without a License. In addition, Santos also faces charges of Obstructing Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest, and False Personation.
Boucard, Wetsell, Thompson, Santos, and Akhalkatsi were issued Desk Appearance Tickets and will be arraigned at a later date. Dlouhy and Avila were held overnight pending arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on Friday, October 24.
Community Engagement and Rewards
Suffolk County police are urging anyone with information about illegal cannabis activity to come forward. They encourage individuals to submit anonymous tips through P3Tips.com or the P3 Tips app. Tipsters may be eligible for rewards of up to $5,000, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in combating illegal operations.
Ongoing Investigations
As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to conduct further checks on other businesses that may be operating outside the legal framework. This case serves as a reminder of the strict measures being taken to ensure compliance with state laws regarding cannabis sales.
Related Stories
While this operation focuses on the cannabis industry, there are other developments across the region that have caught the attention of local law enforcement. These include:
- A Franklin cop's movements during the Pittstown double murders, which have raised questions among prosecutors.
- Two missing New York teens who may be heading toward either New York City or Pennsylvania, according to police.
- A man seen leaning into a window of a Roosevelt home has sparked a burglary investigation.
These cases underline the diverse range of issues that law enforcement is currently addressing in the area.
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