Two Bronx Businesses Raided by NYPD, NYC Sheriff’s Office in Huge Cannabis Bust

Bronx, NY – In a significant crackdown on illegal marijuana operations, two Bronx businesses were raided early Wednesday morning by the NYPD and the NYC Sheriff’s Office. The raids, which officials described as one of the largest busts in recent memory, uncovered a substantial amount of cannabis and other illicit substances.

Authorities targeted two locations: a business at 3770 East Tremont Avenue and a nearby deli at 4011 East Tremont Avenue. The coordinated raids resulted in the seizure of 176 pounds of cannabis flower, 0.6 pounds of THC vape products, and a variety of psilocybin mushroom edibles.

Hidden in Plain Sight

At the first location on East Tremont Avenue, the cannabis flower was found hidden in an array of creative and concealed spots. Officers discovered the stash in hidden compartments under a couch, behind ceiling tiles, within filing cabinets, inside luggage bags, and even out in the open.

Lt. Francesca Rosa of the NYC Sheriff’s Office detailed the variety of products seized. “These are all mushroom bars, cereal milk, white chocolate, birthday cake, different flavors,” she said. “All of these products are unregulated, unlicensed. This location is unlicensed; they should not have any of this product here.”

A Deli Front

Just blocks away, at 4011 East Tremont Avenue, another operation was dismantled. The deli, which appeared to be a typical neighborhood store, was allegedly serving as a front for marijuana storage and distribution.

“We have what appears to be a typical deli. We have always asked the community to ask us, and let us know, if you see something, say something, do something. The complaint was registered. The team came in to do the inspection,” Mayor Eric Adams said, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in such operations.

During the raid, two workers were arrested, though the owner was not present at the time.

Unanswered Questions

The raids have raised critical questions for investigators. Primarily, they are trying to determine where these products were being packaged, stored, and distributed. The complexity and scale of the operation suggest a well-organized network, and officials are working diligently to trace the supply chain.

Lt. Rosa highlighted the unregulated nature of the products. “These items are being sold without any oversight or quality control, posing a significant risk to consumers,” she said. “Our goal is to shut down these illegal operations and protect the public.”

Community Impact

The busts are a reminder of the ongoing issues related to unlicensed cannabis operations in New York City. Despite recent legislative changes that have legalized marijuana, the black market remains a significant challenge. Unlicensed operations not only undermine legal businesses but also pose safety risks due to the lack of regulation.

Mayor Adams reiterated the city’s commitment to cracking down on illegal cannabis distribution. “This is about ensuring that our neighborhoods are safe and that businesses operate within the bounds of the law,” he said. “We will continue to take action against those who choose to ignore the regulations and put our community at risk.”

Looking Forward

As the investigation continues, authorities hope to uncover more details about the network behind these operations. The focus will be on identifying additional storage and packaging locations and understanding the full scope of the distribution network.

In the meantime, the NYPD and the NYC Sheriff’s Office are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The recent busts underscore the critical role that community tips play in law enforcement’s efforts to combat illegal drug operations.

These raids are a significant step in addressing the issue of unlicensed cannabis distribution in the Bronx, but they also highlight the ongoing battle between legal and illegal markets in the wake of marijuana legalization. The city’s efforts to regulate and control cannabis sales continue, with the aim of ensuring safe and legal access for all New Yorkers.