Indian couple held after drug haul

LONG ISLAND, NY — The Nassau County Police Department arrested an Indian-American couple in Albertson, Long Island on October 4 for allegedly operating a drug-producing operation in the basement of their establishment.

Sunita Shah, 57, and Rajesh Shah, 62, were taken into custody for the alleged illegal activity.

The Narcotics Vice Squad detectives, along with Third Precinct Police and the Williston Park Fire Department responded to smell-of-gas alert in the vicinity of 122 Hillside Avenue on October 4 afternoon.

Upon arrival, they found a strong odor emanating from the basement of Simply Foot Spa. Soon, the Shahs arrived and opened the business door.

The police saw several cans of chemicals along with drug paraphernalia. The building was evacuated and till it was deemed safe.

The police said there was an undetermined amount of synthetic marijuana on the premises. They recovered more than 20 pounds of loose synthetic marijuana, and 5,300 bags containing synthetic marijuana. The estimated recovered street value of the marijuana is a quarter of a million dollars

Both defendants Sunita Shah and Rajesh Shah were placed into police custody.

The Shahs are charged with criminal possession precursor of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment 2nd degree, and illegal use of nitrous oxide.