Unusual Court Appearance

A Long Island restaurant worker found himself in court, making quite the statement with his attire. Andres Cabrera-Sanchez, just 25 years old, showed up in a hoodie featuring a pot leaf and the phrase “Roll Up.” This was certainly a bold choice, given the serious nature of the charges he faces.

Cabrera-Sanchez is one of several suspects linked to a drug trafficking operation allegedly run out of La Costa Catlacha, a Honduran eatery located in Brentwood. His initial appearance in Suffolk County Criminal Court was anything but low-key.

In addition to drug charges, Cabrera-Sanchez is also facing accusations related to illegal firearm possession. His arrest stemmed from a routine liquor compliance check that unexpectedly escalated into a drug bust.

A surprise inspection, carried out by Suffolk County police along with state Liquor Authority investigators and local firefighters, led to Cabrera-Sanchez and six others being taken into custody. Officials discovered a drug operation that reportedly linked the restaurant’s dining area to a nearby Brentwood residence.

Meanwhile, the restaurant’s owner, Wilmer Mendez-Barrera, was cited for a violation, and another employee, Keshawn Matthews, was arrested for donning a fake tactical vest and carrying a replica gun, all while acting as an unlicensed security guard.

Additionally, patrons at the restaurant, Juana Flores and Maicol Escobar-Rivas, both 18, were charged with drug sales, while a third patron, Cristian Palacios-Ruiz, also 18, faced charges for possession of a controlled substance.

To top it off, police investigations led to the arrest of Joshua Molina, 27, at a nearby home on drug-related charges and endangerment involving a child. Following these events, the fire marshal ruled La Costa Catlacha unsafe, leading to its closure and multiple summonses being issued.