The Daily Grind South store and smoke shop on Main Street in the city of Cortland. (Photo provided by Timothy A. Bennett, Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice).
Fraudulent tax stamps and counterfeit currency were recovered from a local smoke shop following a months-long investigation by the City of Cortland Police Department, according to a report.
The report stated that a search warrant was executed at the Daily Grind South store and smoke shop on Main Street in the city.
According to the report, the search discovered fraudulent sheets of New York State Cigarette tax stamps and counterfeit currency. Over 140 fraudulent tax stamps were found, the report noted.
The report stated that the fraudulent tax stamps and counterfeit currency were recovered during an investigation into the illegal sale of marijuana products to individuals under the age of 21. The investigation confiscated several thousands of dollars and a number of illegal marijuana products, the report continued.
Three arrests have been made that stem from the investigation. Mohamed Katan Ahmed, 39, was arrested on Nov. 3, 2022 and charged with sixth-degree conspiracy and the criminal sale of cannabis, marijuana products and marijuana sales under 21 (both misdemeanors).
Maher Kahtan Ahmed, 39, and Jabar Katan Ahmed, 35, were arrested in July (2023). Each was charged with six counts of first-degree possession of a forged instrument (a Class-C Felony) and fourth-degree conspiracy (a Class-E Felony).
Each of the individuals were arraigned and released on appearance tickets for city court at a later date.
The report stated that more arrests are pending in this case.
