The First Precinct Special Patrol Officers and the Problem Oriented Policing Unit report the arrests of three (3) males during a “Project 21” initiative, which targets the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to minors. The initiative was conducted on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 5:55 pm with the assistance of underage agents and the Town of Hempstead Buildings Department.
The initiative resulted in the arrests of the following individuals:
- Juan Blanco, 24, of 518 Irving Street, New Cassel sold tobacco products to a minor at A Sam Smoke Shop located at 768 Merrick Road, Baldwin. He is charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree, Sale of Tobacco Products to Minors and multiple Violations.
- Ali Ashraf, 28, of 968 Little Whaleneck Road, North Bellmore sold tobacco products to a minor at Happy Convenience and Smoke located at 1497 Bellmore Avenue, North Bellmore. He is charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree, Sale of Tobacco Products and multiple Violations.
- Rashad Fadhel, 45, of 676 High Street, Hempstead sold tobacco products to a minor at Zaza Smoke Shop located at 977 Nassau Road, Uniondale. He is charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree, Sale of Tobacco Products to Minors and multiple Violations.
Defendant Juan Blanco, Defendant Ali Ashraf and Defendant Rashad Fadhel were issued Appearance Tickets returnable on Monday, June 23, 2025 to First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.