The City of East Orange continues its commitment to protecting the health, safety, and quality of life of its residents through the ongoing enforcement and closure of illegal smoke shops operating throughout the city.
Working collaboratively, the East Orange Police Department, the Department of Code Enforcement, and the Department of Health and Human Services successfully investigated and shut down eight (8) businesses found to be operating in violation of state and local laws.
During its joint investigation, EOPD discovered and confiscated up to 225 pounds of marijuana, more than $17,000 in cash and six (6) vehicles. Although cannabis is legally available through licensed dispensaries, products sold by unlicensed smoke shops are not subject to New Jersey's strict testing, labeling, or quality control requirements, creating unnecessary risks for consumers—particularly young people.
The following individuals were arrested and charged separately with various offenses, including possession with intent to distribute—the most serious charge filed in most of the cases.
- Mohamed Segan, 50, of Bronx, NY
- Amin Mohannad, 18 of Brooklyn, NY
- Hisham Ahmed Qaid Alfaqih, 29, of Mount Laurel, NJ
- Alexis Vladinir Balcacer, 23, of New York, NY
- Otniel Rodriguez, 24, of Yonkers, NY
- Ahmad Abdek Nabi Abu Khalil, 23, of Clifton, NJ
- Osamah A. Mohsen, 29, of Totowa, NJ
- Salah Alaheri, 19, of Brooklyn, NY
- Tevin A. Harding, 31, of Newark, NJ
- Akeem Coombs, 30, of Orange, NJ
- Frantz A. Pierre-Louis, 31, of East Orange, NJ
The coordinated enforcement of the three departments reflects the city's unwavering commitment to maintaining safe commercial corridors, protecting consumers, and ensuring businesses operate legally and responsibly.
Since March 2026, the following businesses have been shut down:
- H & H Variety, 448–452 Central Avenue
- Flavors, 613–623 Central Avenue
- Vibez, 582–620 Central Avenue
- Red Magic, 487 Central Avenue
- K & K (Kangni Kangni), 392–396A Central Avenue
- Top Dog Exotics, 252 Sanford Street
- Elevation, 236–238 Tremont Avenue
- T and B Convenience Store, 225–233 Central Avenue
"The safety of our residents will always be our highest priority," said Mayor Ted R. Green. "When businesses choose to operate outside the law, they endanger our neighborhoods, our young people, and our community. We will continue to work hand in hand with our East Orange Police Department, Department of Code Enforcement, and Department of Health and Human Services to hold violators accountable and ensure our commercial districts remain safe, welcoming, and compliant.”
The City of East Orange encourages residents to report suspicious or illegal business activity to the East Orange Police Department at 973.266.5000.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.