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.