District Officials: No Students Believed Involved in Buying Drugs from Busted Beverage Business

Police have assured Wantagh district officials that they don’t believe any students were involved in buying drugs at a beverage distributor located next to two schools that was this week after it was learned that heroin was being sold out of the business.

Suffolk County Police, working with the Nassau County Police Department, arrested four men yesterday on various drug charges after it was discovered heroin was being sold out of on 3341 Beltagh Ave. The undercover investigation at the store, located just north of and , concluded with a search warrant being executed at the business this past Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.

“Although this is an ongoing police investigation, the police have assured me that there is currently no reason to believe that any students were involved,” said Dr. Richard Marsh, who took over as Wantagh’s interim superintendent on Sept. 26. “However, due to the close proximity of these arrests, parents were notified to alleviate any potential concerns.”

Dr. Marsh said members of the Narcotics Vice Squad conducted Tuesday’s search warrant “in a discreet manner” during the late afternoon hours to reduce the chance of students being around the business, which sells a variety of drinks such as soda as well as candy and chips. Since the police investigation was taking place close to two schools, parents were notified to alleviate any potential concerns, Dr. Marsh said.

In light of this week’s dug arrests at Wantagh Beverage, Dr. Marsh said the district is planning to enhance programs offered on substance abuse. He praised vibrant substance abuse programs that Wantagh already offers through teachers, administrators and PTA groups.

“I encourage [parents] to take this opportunity to speak with your children about the dangers of substance abuse,” said Dr. Marsh. “Working together we can all help ensure the health and safety of our children.”