On May 7, 2024, the NYPD and the city Sheriff’s office conducted a raid, sealing a smoke shop at 110 Church Street in Lower Manhattan for operating without a cannabis license.
Mayor Eric Adams initiated a new crackdown on unauthorized cannabis vendors in New York City, following increased legislative powers received in the recent state budget.
Titled “Operation Padlock to Protect,” this initiative involves various local law enforcement and city departments teaming up to inspect and seal shops engaging in unlicensed cannabis sales. The operation began on May 7, targeting 20 illegal vendors throughout the five boroughs as announced by City Hall.
Mayor Adams emphasized that enforcement would intensify, but did not specify how many shops would be closed daily, stating the goal was to shut down as many illegal operations as possible.
At a news conference, Adams expressed that with new authorities from Albany to combat illegal cannabis outlets, his administration would aggressively address the issue. He described these unauthorized shops as hubs for crime and disruptions to city life.
Illegal cannabis shops have surged across New York City since the state legalized cannabis in 2021, especially as the licensing process has lagged, with approximately 2,800 such establishments reportedly operating.
A bust in real time
During the briefing, Mayor Adams showcased a live feed of a raid led by Sheriff Anthony Miranda on the New City Smoke Shop at 110 Church St., near City Hall, targeting sales of illegal substances including unlicensed cannabis, cigarettes, and mushrooms, with packaging aimed at attracting youth.
Sheriff Miranda emphasized the comprehensive nature of the crackdown, with teams conducting simultaneous inspections in all five boroughs, sealing properties post-inspection.
The ability to seal unlicensed cannabis stores, now granted by the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, empowers local law enforcement like the NYPD and the city Sheriff to close these shops for up to a year. However, Mayor Adams noted that despite these new powers, the NYPD still requires authorization from the sheriff’s office to conduct raids. He further mentioned that affected businesses could petition for reopening through the city’s Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings after demonstrating compliance with the law.
Addressing earlier promises to shut down all unlicensed shops within 30 days, Adams revised his stance, predicting a significant impact but acknowledging the ongoing challenge of new shops opening.
He warned the public against expecting immediate results, indicating that the effort to close illegal cannabis shops would be ongoing.
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