Authorities carried out a massive raid Thursday afternoon at an unlicensed cannabis storefront in Mott Haven; the operation led to the arrest of 11 people and the seizure of more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana products valued at $3.2 million. The store, known as “Budzotic,” was hiding in plain sight, operating a flashy retail setup that included display counters and flat-screen menus.
The joint effort involved the New York City Sheriff’s Department, the NYPD’s Bronx Narcotics Division, and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. In addition to cannabis, officers confiscated an imitation firearm, methamphetamine, and $21,000 in cash. For many in Mott Haven; the scale of the raid was a shock, even though neighbors say the store’s activity was hardly a secret.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions. Some, like Olivia Ayala, were surprised illegal activity was taking place next door. Others, like Yvette Daniels, described Budzotic as a “regular business” that caused no disturbances aside from operating without a license. This divide captures the complicated role unlicensed cannabis shops play in communities like Mott Haven; they are both a public health concern and, at times, a normalized presence in the neighborhood.
What makes this case more notable is that it isn’t the first time the location was raided. The same property, connecting 516 and 522 Timpson Place, was the site of a $10 million drug bust in July 2024. Sheriff Anthony Miranda admitted frustration, acknowledging that the same group of operators seemed to have reopened about six months later. The persistence of unlicensed sellers in Mott Haven; highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in shutting down these recurring enterprises.
City officials say their goal is not just enforcement, but deterrence. “We have to keep shutting them down, make it uncomfortable for them, so they don’t think they’re welcome to operate here,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry. The sheriff’s office has also pledged to investigate the building owners who re-rented the property despite its history. For Mott Haven; residents, this raises questions about accountability beyond the individuals arrested.
Officials pointed out that unlicensed cannabis stores could be selling untested products, potentially harmful or even dangerous if consumed.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson emphasized another danger: cannabis edibles packaged to resemble children’s candy. Holding up a wrapper styled like Jolly Ranchers, she warned of the risks for families in Mott Haven; where such products might easily be mistaken for harmless treats.
As the legal cannabis market struggles to find its footing, communities like Mott Haven; continue to grapple with the blurred line between regulated businesses and illegal operations. Thursday’s bust was another reminder that the battle over cannabis enforcement in New York is far from over.