A Mastic Beach store employee was arrested Wednesday after authorities said he sold vape products to a person under the age of 21 during an investigation into illegal tobacco sales.
Suffolk County Police said officers from the Seventh Precinct Crime Section, working in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal and other town officials, conducted an investigation at Village Food Mart, located at 65 Mastic Beach Road, on Feb. 25, 2026.
During the operation, investigators determined that Nasser Alzandani, 47, of Mastic Beach, sold tobacco vape products to an individual who was under 21 years old, police said. The legal age to purchase tobacco and e-cigarette products in New York is 21.
Alzandani was arrested at the scene and charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child and Sale Restrictions of E-Cigarettes to Persons Under 21 Years of Age, authorities said.
In addition to the criminal charges, the Town of Brookhaven issued numerous citations in connection with the investigation. Officials also reported that 126 flavored vape products were seized from the store.
Enforcement efforts targeting the sale of tobacco and vaping products to minors have increased in recent years, as health officials continue to raise concerns about youth vaping and access to flavored products.
Alzandani was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date, according to police.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said additional enforcement actions may follow as part of continued compliance checks at local businesses.