Four Arrested on Felony Charges After Joint Investigation Into Rockland County Smoke Shops

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced on Friday that four individuals and five corporations have been charged following a year-long investigation into Rockland County smoke shops.

On March 4, 2024, the Rockland County District Attorney’s 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. Search warrants were executed at two smoke shops in the Town of Clarkstown, two in the Town of Orangetown, one in the Village of Suffern, and additional search warrants were executed at a business and a private residence in Clarkstown. During the execution of the search warrants on the locations and bank accounts, in excess of $400,000 and over 170 pounds of cannabis were seized from the five Zava stores. None of the Zava stores were licensed to sell cannabis in the state of New York. 

District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said, “Today’s arrests are a result of search warrants executed at seven locations in connection with Rockland County smoke shops following a year-long investigation led by my Office working with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local level. The investigation started after allegations of smoke shops selling cannabis to minors. The joint investigation discovered that there were tax irregularities with sales at the smoke shops. I am committed to ensuring that all business in Rockland County is conducted lawfully."