--- title: "Six Illegal Shops Seized: 4 Arrested, 300+ lbs. Recovered" description: Queens Authorities shut down six illegal cannabis shops, seizing over 300 pounds of illicit products and arresting four individuals. image: https://420intel.com/hubfs/cgxl-media-7UVuo-92UU0-unsplash.jpg --- [![420intel.com](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Asset%2016-1.png?width=300&height=162&name=Asset%2016-1.png "420intel.com")](https://420intel.com) - [Home](https://420intel.com) - [Advertise](https://420intel.com/advertise) - [Directory](https://420intel.com/directory) - [Topics](https://420intel.com/blog) - [Recreational News](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/recreational-cannabis-news) - [Business News](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-business-news) - [Politics](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-politics) - [Technology](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-technology-news) - [Research](https://420intel.com/tag/medical-cannabis-news) - [Contact](https://420intel.com/contact-us) - [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/420intel) - [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/420-intel/) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://x.com/420intel) - [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/420intel) ### Press ESC to close [![420intel.com](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Asset%2016-1.png?width=300&height=162&name=Asset%2016-1.png "420intel.com")](https://420intel.com) - [Home](https://420intel.com) - [Advertise](https://420intel.com/advertise) - [Directory](https://420intel.com/directory) - [Topics](https://420intel.com/blog) - [Recreational News](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/recreational-cannabis-news) - [Business News](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-business-news) - [Politics](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-politics) - [Technology](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-technology-news) - [Research](https://420intel.com/tag/medical-cannabis-news) - [Contact](https://420intel.com/contact-us) - [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/420intel) - [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/420-intel/) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://x.com/420intel) - [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/420intel) # Six Illegal Shops Seized: 4 Arrested, 300+ lbs. Recovered - [![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=80&height=80&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) - [Marijuana legalization](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/marijuana-legalization) - 20 August 2025 In a sweeping effort to combat unlicensed marijuana sales, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the closure of six stores accused of selling **illegal cannabis**. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 300 pounds of cannabis products and 170 pounds of flavored tobacco vapes, reinforcing the city’s determination to protect communities from unregulated goods. The six shops, spread across Hollis, Flushing, Cambria Heights, and Sunnyside, were padlocked following a months-long undercover investigation. Authorities also arrested four individuals connected to the businesses. Among the confiscated items were 130 pounds of cannabis flower, 110 pounds of cannabis vapes, 74 pounds of edibles, and 173 pounds of flavored tobacco vapes—all considered part of the **illegal cannabis** trade in the borough. District Attorney Katz emphasized the importance of these actions, stating, *“My office, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to ensure compliance so that legitimate businesses can thrive and our neighbors, particularly young people, remain safe from the unregulated products sold by illegal shops.”* The crackdown—dubbed *Operation Weed Whacker*—is part of a broader initiative to rid Queens of **illegal cannabis** storefronts. Whether these businesses operate out of vans, pop-up trucks, or traditional storefronts, authorities have made it clear that unlicensed sellers will face swift action. The six shuttered stores included Hollis Convenience, Moonrocks, No Limit, ZaZa Exotic, Sunnyside Clouds, and Fumes Puff. Each was found to be distributing large amounts of **illegal cannabis**, with products often marketed in ways that could appeal to underage buyers.   Since July 2024, the district attorney’s office, in collaboration with the NYPD and the New York City Sheriff’s Office, has closed down 310 shops across Queens County. This aggressive push reflects growing concern about the proliferation of **illegal cannabis** retailers that continue to operate despite new licensing frameworks for legal dispensaries in New York State. The rise of **illegal cannabis** shops has been a major issue since New York legalized recreational marijuana. While the state intended to create a safe, regulated market, the presence of unlicensed operators has made enforcement challenging. Many of these shops sell products with unknown potency or contaminants, putting consumers at risk. For Queens officials, the message is clear: businesses that engage in the sale of **illegal cannabis** will be shut down, and those responsible will face legal consequences. The goal is to support the regulated market, protect public safety, and ensure that cannabis use in New York evolves responsibly.   [by abc7NY](https://abc7ny.com/post/300-pounds-illegal-cannabis-shops-seized-undercover-investigation-queens/17589972/)   [Marijuana legalization](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/marijuana-legalization) ![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=200&height=200&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) #### [Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) At 420 Intel, we cover cannabis legalization news throughout the world, offer reliable information for cannabis business owners, detail technological advances that impact the marijuana industry, cover marijuana rallies from across the globe, and everything in between. - - - [Marijuana legalization](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/marijuana-legalization) [![Maine Properties Linked To Illegal Marijuana Enterprise](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20dimly%20lit%20cluttered%20room%20filled%20with%20large%20potted%20cannabis%20plants%20their%20lush%20green%20leaves%20contrasting%20against%20the%20shadowy%20walls%20In%20the%20foreground%20a%20group%20of%20seven%20men%20stands%20each%20with%20a%20tense%20expression%20their%20clothing%20casual%20yet%20s-1.jpeg?width=550&height=395&name=The%20image%20depicts%20a%20dimly%20lit%20cluttered%20room%20filled%20with%20large%20potted%20cannabis%20plants%20their%20lush%20green%20leaves%20contrasting%20against%20the%20shadowy%20walls%20In%20the%20foreground%20a%20group%20of%20seven%20men%20stands%20each%20with%20a%20tense%20expression%20their%20clothing%20casual%20yet%20s-1.jpeg)](https://420intel.com/blog/maine-properties-linked-to-illegal-marijuana-enterprise) - [![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=80&height=80&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) - 14 July 2025 #### [Maine Properties Linked To Illegal Marijuana Enterprise](https://420intel.com/blog/maine-properties-linked-to-illegal-marijuana-enterprise) Seven people have been charged in connection with what prosecutors describe as a... [Cannabis Business News](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/cannabis-business-news) [![Over $600K worth of illicit cannabis found in Minnesota marijuana stores in 2024](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-01-22%20at%208.49.14%20AM.png?width=550&height=395&name=Screenshot%202025-01-22%20at%208.49.14%20AM.png)](https://420intel.com/blog/over-600k-worth-of-illicit-cannabis-found-in-minnesota-marijuana-stores-in-2024) - [![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=80&height=80&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) - 22 January 2025 #### [Over $600K worth of illicit cannabis found in Minnesota marijuana stores in 2024](https://420intel.com/blog/over-600k-worth-of-illicit-cannabis-found-in-minnesota-marijuana-stores-in-2024) As the delayed process to license legal cannabis dispensaries continues, Minnesota is trying to... [Cannabis Laws](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/cannabis-laws) [![50th illegal cannabis shop raided, shut down in DC](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/A%20bustling%20street%20scene%20in%20Northwest%20DC%20captures%20the%20moment%20as%20police%20officers%20clad%20in%20dark%20uniforms%20swarm%20around%20a%20storefront%20marked%20Orbit%20DC%20The%20entrance%20displays%20a%20neon%20green%20sign%20featuring%20cannabis%20leaves%20Officers%20are%20seen%20securing%20the%20area%20some.jpeg?width=550&height=395&name=A%20bustling%20street%20scene%20in%20Northwest%20DC%20captures%20the%20moment%20as%20police%20officers%20clad%20in%20dark%20uniforms%20swarm%20around%20a%20storefront%20marked%20Orbit%20DC%20The%20entrance%20displays%20a%20neon%20green%20sign%20featuring%20cannabis%20leaves%20Officers%20are%20seen%20securing%20the%20area%20some.jpeg)](https://420intel.com/blog/50th-illegal-cannabis-shop-raided-shut-down-in-dc) - [![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=80&height=80&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) - 25 April 2025 #### [50th illegal cannabis shop raided, shut down in DC](https://420intel.com/blog/50th-illegal-cannabis-shop-raided-shut-down-in-dc) **WASHINGTON** - FOX 5 cameras were rolling when D.C. police raided and shut down the 50th illegal... - [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/420intel) - [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/420intel) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/420intel) - [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/420intel) Back to Top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Buzz", "url" : "https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-20T12:20:37.631Z", "datePublished" : "2025-08-20T10:11:58.000Z", "headline" : "Six Illegal Shops Seized: 4 Arrested, 300+ lbs. Recovered", "image" : [ "https://420intel.com/hubfs/cgxl-media-7UVuo-92UU0-unsplash.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://420intel.com/blog/six-illegal-shops-seized-4-arrested-300-lbs.-recovered", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://420intel.com/hubfs/Asset%2016.png" }, "name" : "420 Intel" } } ```