Glen Cove tobacco store warned for selling marijuana, cops say

A Glen Cove tobacco store that sells pipes and other paraphernalia associated with marijuana use has been put on notice that it could be closed down if there is another drug-related arrest at the business.

The warning to Unique Tobacco and Accessories, 12 School St., came after the March 10 arrest of Unique employee Brandon DeJesus, 23, of Glen Cove, for allegedly selling marijuana in the store.

DeJesus, who was working behind the counter when he was arrested, was charged with two counts of criminal sale of marijuana in the fifth degree and possession of marijuana, Glen Cove City Police Det. Lt. John Nagle said in a statement. He had $1,400 in cash and marijuana when he was arrested, Nagle said.

Police later searched his residence and found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and scales and bags that are commonly used in the packaging of marijuana, Nagle said.

A second similar offense within the next year could lead to Unique being declared a nuisance property, which under city law subjects the business to possible closure, Deputy Chief Christopher Ortiz told City Council members at Tuesday night’s pre-council work session.

Nagle said De Jesus’ arrest came after a three-month investigation by Glen Cove police and the Nassau County narcotics squad.

Nagle said that among the products Unique sells are pipes, bongs and other items that can be used to smoke marijuana. The store also sells cigarettes, cigars, vaporizers, candles, incense and ashtrays, Unique’s website says.

City Council members had expressed concern about the shop when it opened in 2013. Drug-dealing was “one of the things we were afraid of and concerned about,” Councilman Timothy Tenke said at Tuesday’s meeting.