Burglary Call Leads NYPD To $5M Illegal Cannabis Operation Bust In Queens

In a late-night operation on Thursday, the NYPD and the New York City Sheriff's Office uncovered millions of dollars worth of illegal cannabis products in a Queens warehouse. This major find marks one of the largest busts in the city’s intensified crackdown on unregulated cannabis suppliers.

Officials were initially alerted to the Astoria site by a burglary report. Upon arrival, they discovered not only the culprits carrying 100 pounds of cannabis flower but also over $5 million in illicit cannabis goods. “This raid underscores our commitment to dismantling illegal operations that flood our streets with unregulated products,” stated Francesca Rosa, a Sheriff's Office lieutenant, according to NY1.

NY Authorities Target Illegal Cannabis Shops

The crackdown is part of a broader strategy, spearheaded by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Their joint initiative, dubbed ‘Operation Padlock to Protect,' was introduced after the state’s fine-based approach failed to deter illegal cannabis operations, with over $25 million in fines going uncollected. This more direct enforcement method has successfully shuttered over 1,000 illegal cannabis stores statewide, boosting the legal market significantly. This total encompasses 779 illicit establishments that were secured with padlocks in New York City.

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Moreover, the impact on legal retailers has been profound. In New York City alone, legitimate cannabis sales have surged by 72% since the crackdown began as competition with unauthorized outlets decreased.

As the state continues to refine its enforcement strategies, the focus remains clear: uphold the integrity of the legal market while eliminating illegal operations.

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