Over 110 Packets of Synthetic Weed Seized, Two Arrested From Newburgh Store

Two Orange County men were arrested after over 110 packets of synthetic marijuana was seized from a Newburgh store.

On Friday, The New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team – Hudson Valley, working in conjunction with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the New York State Department of Health, City of Newburgh Police Department, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office seized 111 packets of suspected synthetic marijuana from Manhattan Deli, located at 212 Broadway in Newburgh.

The deli was also found to have forged cigarette tax stamps, unstamped cigarettes, marijuana, and illegal possession of a weapon, officials say.

Samples of the seized products were analyzed and allegedly tested positive for synthetic marijuana, K2.

The owner of the store, 28-year-old Hemyar M. Almaflehi of Walden and a store clerk, Omar Nagi, 22, of Newburgh were both charged with criminal possession forged instrument, a felony, possession of unstamped cigarettes for purpose of sale, criminal possession of marijuana, misdemeanors, unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation and 111 counts of violations of the Department of Health regulation banning the possession of synthetic cannabinoid substances.

Nagi was additionally charged with criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor.

The arrests and charges were a part of a series of statewide enforcement actions from Gov. Andrew Cuomo that have resulted in an increased police presence to combat the illegal sale of K2 in communities throughout New York.

“Make no mistake: K2 and other synthetic drugs are dangerous and a risk to public health and safety," Gov. Andrew Cuomo stated. "Selling this poison is illegal and this administration will continue to do everything in its power to get K2 off the streets and hold accountable those who continue to break the law."