Manager among three charged in drug sales investigation at long island restaurant

RIVERHEAD, NY – A Long Island restaurant has become the focus of a significant drug investigation, leading to charges against a manager and two others. The operation at La Perla Restaurant and Bar in Riverhead was the result of a six-month undercover investigation initiated by complaints from the community regarding illegal drug activities.

On Thursday, Feb. 29, the Riverhead Town Police Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force conducted a search warrant at the establishment located on East Main Street.

The inquiry revealed that cocaine was regularly being sold at the venue. Eliseo Quintanilla, a 43-year-old from Manorville and manager of La Perla, is accused of permitting illicit drug sales on the premises. He was arrested on April 4 and faces a charge of criminal nuisance for allegedly maintaining a location where unlawful conduct occurs.

Additionally, Christopher Contreras, 33, from Coram, and James Wicks, 32, from Bohemia, were arrested. Both individuals face multiple counts related to the criminal sale of a controlled substance, specifically cocaine.

The New York State Liquor Authority participated in the search, indicating potential violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law may also be addressed following the investigation.

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