WESTBURY, NY – Two individuals were arrested Friday night in Westbury after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected narcotics and a loaded firearm, according to the Nassau County Police Department.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Third Squad said Strategic Response Team (SRT) officers were patrolling Old Country Road at approximately 9:11 p.m. on January 16, 2026, when they observed a 2011 Kia Sorento traveling eastbound with an inoperable taillight. Officers initiated a Vehicle and Traffic Law stop.
Following an investigation at the scene, police identified the driver as Natasha Celestin, 43, of Brooklyn. Authorities said Celestin was found in possession of a white powdery substance believed to be crack cocaine.
The passenger, identified as Saifuddin Abdus-Samad, 55, of Hempstead, was allegedly found in possession of a loaded .38 caliber revolver, along with a white powdery substance also believed to be crack cocaine. Police said both individuals were taken into custody without incident.
Both defendants were scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead.
Key Facts and Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Location | Old Country Road, Westbury |
| Date & Time | January 16, 2026 – approximately 9:11 p.m. |
| Vehicle | 2011 Kia Sorento |
| Reason for Stop | Inoperable taillight |
| Defendant (Driver) | Natasha N. Celestin, 43 |
| Residence (Driver) | Brooklyn, NY |
| Allegations (Driver) | Possession of suspected crack cocaine |
| Charges (Driver) | Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (5th Degree), two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (7th Degree), Vehicle and Traffic Law violations |
| Defendant (Passenger) | Saifuddin Abdus-Samad, 55 |
| Residence (Passenger) | Hempstead, NY |
| Allegations (Passenger) | Possession of loaded .38 caliber revolver and suspected crack cocaine |
| Charges (Passenger) | Criminal Possession of a Weapon (2nd Degree), Criminal Possession of a Weapon (3rd Degree), Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (5th Degree), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (7th Degree) |
| Arraignment Date | January 17, 2026 |
| Court | First District Court, Hempstead |
| Investigating Unit | Nassau County Police Department – Third Squad |
