$1M in Illegal Cannabis Products Seized in NYC Raids

Cannabis Flower Found Hidden in Couch Compartments, Ceiling Tiles, Filing Cabinets, and More

In a significant crackdown on illegal cannabis operations, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda, and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban announced the results of enforcement actions against two illicit cannabis operators in the Throgs Neck area of the Bronx. The operation, part of “Operation Padlock to Protect,” targeted a warehouse and a smoke shop storing millions of dollars worth of illegal cannabis and psilocybin products.

Mayor Adams’ Firm Stance

“We have been clear: illegal smoke shops will no longer be able to operate with impunity,” said Mayor Adams. “‘Operation Padlock to Protect’ has already shut down and padlocked over 630 illegal smoke shops, allowed us to seize over $20 million in illegal products, and impose more than $51 million in fines and penalties on those who continue to break the law. Our administration has achieved remarkable results over the last three months, and last night’s raid on two major distributors and operators shows we will not stop until every illegal shop is held accountable. For too long, these shops have contributed to a feeling that anything goes in our city, but we are going to continue to shut down illegal shops and will ensure that the future of legal cannabis burns bright in New York City. I want to thank Sheriff Miranda and his team, as well as Commissioner Caban and the NYPD, for leading this operation.”

Major Seizure in the Bronx

The raid, conducted by the Sheriff’s Joint Compliance Task Force, included inspections at 51 locations across New York City. The task force uncovered a trove of hidden cannabis products at 3770 E. Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. There, deputies seized 176 pounds of cannabis flower, 0.6 pounds of THC vape products, and psilocybin mushroom edibles. The cannabis flower was found in various hidden compartments, including under a couch, behind ceiling tiles, inside filing cabinets, in luggage bags, and even in plain view.

Discovery of Distribution Hub

In another significant discovery, the task force found a back door at a bodega located at 4011 E. Tremont Avenue leading to a warehouse packed with pallets of cannabis flower, THC pre-rolls, THC vape products, THC concentrate, THC edibles, psilocybin edibles, and psilocybin concentrate. They also discovered empty containers for packaging products and a room set up for growing cannabis plants, suggesting the site was likely a distribution hub. The estimated total value of the seized products from both locations is at least $1 million.

Regulatory Authority and Increased Enforcement

This operation follows Mayor Adams’ successful advocacy in Albany, which granted municipalities regulatory authority to shut down illegal smoke and cannabis shops. In response, New York City has swiftly executed its new legal authority and ramped up enforcement efforts.

Results of Operation Padlock to Protect

Since the launch of Operation Padlock to Protect — a multi-agency task force comprising the Sheriff’s Office, the NYPD, and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection — the Adams administration has sealed a total of 639 shops and issued 32,392 violation counts, resulting in over $51 million in penalties. The city estimates it has seized illegal products valued at over $20 million.

Commitment to Legal Cannabis

The recent raids underscore the city’s commitment to eradicating illegal cannabis operations and ensuring the future of legal cannabis in New York City remains robust and regulated.