Drug Operation Disguised as Restaurant

It seems that some individuals sought a quick escape from reality.

Authorities have reported that two criminals from Long Island transformed a local jerk chicken eatery into a front for drug sales, using counterfeit soda cans to distribute cocaine to patrons.

Carlton Williams, 58, and Rohan Rhodes, 47, allegedly converted Stop-n-Nyam into a drive-thru site for illegal drugs during January and February, as noted by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

Williams is identified as the owner of a Jamaican restaurant, with police asserting that the duo effectively turned the establishment into a drug distribution center.

“Restaurants are meant for people to come together and enjoy food; they shouldn’t be venues for the sale of dangerous substances like cocaine and fentanyl,” Tierney remarked.

“The defendants supposedly transformed a community gathering place into a drug trafficking operation,” he continued.

Their operation came to light when an undercover officer reportedly purchased cocaine from Williams multiple times.

During one transaction inside the restaurant, law enforcement observed a cook extracting drugs from a specially designed soda can concealed beneath the counter, though it remains unclear what brand the cans were.

Investigators gathered further evidence when they executed searches of both the restaurant and Williams’ apartment in February, revealing a more extensive operation than just limited deals.

The district attorney outlined that authorities uncovered about 1.5 ounces of cocaine and around 2 ounces of fentanyl, a significant amount already sorted for individual sale, alongside several false-bottom cans and around $1,500 in cash.

Later, in Williams’ apartment, officers discovered approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, half a kilogram of fentanyl, over $39,000 in cash, and a complete set of distribution equipment, including mixers, hydraulic presses, cutting agents, and digital scales.

In addition, police reportedly found three extended ammunition magazines, each capable of holding over ten rounds, in Rhodes’ bedroom.

Williams faced 23 charges on Monday, which include two Class A felony counts for first-degree possession of a controlled substance. He is currently being held on a $2.5 million bail.

If he is found guilty of the most serious charge, he could face up to 20 years behind bars, with his next court date set for May 1.

His nephew was arraigned on Wednesday, facing 11 charges, including firearms offenses related to the magazine. He was held on a $40,000 cash bail and risks up to nine years in prison, with a court appearance scheduled for May 6.