Crime & Safety

Locust Valley Deli Worker Arrested After Receiving 2 Kilos of Cocaine

Ariel Rodriguez charged with selling and possessing drugs Thursday.

Written by Leah Bush

A Forest Avenue Grocery worker was arrested in Locust Valley following receipt of a cigar box full of cocaine Thursday, Nassau County Police said.

Ariel Rodriguez, 31, of Bethpage allegedly received a package of cigars containing approximately two kilos of cocaine wrapped inside while working at the deli located on 384 Forest Avenue. After signing for the package, Rodriguez was placed under arrest without incident.

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The arrest was the result of a joint investigation was conducted by Nassau County Narcotics/Vice Squad, New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Service.

Rodriguez is charged with first degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and first degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned on Friday at First District Court in Hempstead.

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