A joint operation between Council Member Robert Holden and New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda has removed thousands of illegal cannabis and tobacco products from three smoke shops in Middle Village.
The crackdown on Tuesday, Mar. 5, led to the arrest of three smoke shop employees after investigators found hundreds of untaxed cigarettes, tobacco packages, vape supplies, and THC products inside each of the three raided smoke shops.
In a collaborative effort from the NYPD Chief of Patrol’s Office, the 104th Precinct and the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, Holden and Miranda raided the smoke shop Woodhaven Convenience, located at 63-118 Woodhaven Blvd., as well as Gas City Exotics, situated at 73-12 Metropolitan Ave., and Metro King Deli, on 73-02 Metropolitan Ave.
Holden shared their findings on social media, adding that the inspections unveiled trap doors and other alarming measures shop owners used to conceal illegal drugs. He also said other illegal drugs, like mushrooms, were found in problematic packaging with cartoon characters that could appeal to children. At the Gas City shop, Holden said a smoke lounge was found in the basement.
“I’m outraged. This is a disgrace. We knew it was happening but didn’t know it was this bad,” said Holden. “I’ve lived here for 72 years and have never seen anything like this.”
The council member additionally shared his disdain for the legislators who pushed forward the legislation to legalize cannabis — a point of contention he continues to express along with other Queens lawmakers — adding that the early rollout is causing issues in communities and taking away tax dollars from the city.
Authorities issued a slue of summonses to the illegal smoke shops including an estimated $134,500.00 in penalties.
According to Holden’s office, law enforcement seized 139.9 cartons of untaxed cigarettes, 338 packages of other tobacco products, 111 flavored vape products, 984 THC vapes, 1107 packages of THC flower weighing a total of 9.761 pounds, 2139 THC pre-rolls weighing a total of 5.19 pounds and packages of THC edibles as a result of the raids.
NYC Sheriff Miranda vows to persist in his crackdown on illegal pot shops with legislators.
“The Sheriff’s office will continue to work with our partner agencies at the direction of the Mayor, to conduct inspections of unlicensed smoke shops so the legal market can continue to thrive,” said Miranda. “We look forward to the additional tools given to the City with the Governors support and backing of City Council.”
