The Major Case Bureau reports the arrest of two men during a Narcotics Investigation that occurred on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 5:45 pm in Baldwin.
According to Narcotics/Vice Squad Detectives, officers conducted an investigation at Sam Smoke & Tobacco located at 768 Merrick Road.
It was determined that cannabis and chocolate bars containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were being sold at this location. During the investigation, cannabis, products containing Tetrahydrocannabinol and US currency was recovered. Narcotics/Vice Squad Detectives placed the following defendants under arrest without incident:
- Ariel A. Mendoza, 24, of 222 Pennsylvania Avenue, Brooklyn
- Joshua K. Gruver, 20, of 315 Foxhurst Road, Oceanside
Both defendants have been charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis. They will be arraigned on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

