In a troubling incident that has raised concerns among law enforcement and the community, three men have been arrested in Troy, New York, for allegedly selling cannabis directly from a storefront to minors. The arrests came after a search warrant was executed at a store located near Fifth Avenue in the city.
The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects as Shane Ray, Damoni Nelson, and Isaiah Alvarez. According to authorities, the trio had been using the storefront as a base of operations to illegally distribute cannabis, including to underage individuals.
The search revealed more than five pounds of marijuana, a loaded handgun, a large amount of cash, and materials typically used for packaging and selling cannabis.
This bust is especially alarming due to the backgrounds of the individuals involved. Damoni Nelson is currently on parole for a previous firearm-related offense, while Isaiah Alvarez is on probation, also for a gun-related conviction. The presence of a loaded firearm at the scene only deepened concerns about the danger posed by the operation.
All three suspects now face a range of charges related to both drugs and weapons. Law enforcement officials emphasized the seriousness of selling cannabis to minors, which not only violates state law but also endangers community health and safety.
"This kind of activity undermines the intent of cannabis legalization in New York, which was designed to create a regulated, safe market for adult use," one local official commented. “Illicit storefronts like this harm legitimate businesses and pose real risks to young people.”
The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and local authorities have been working hard to crack down on unlicensed cannabis operations across the state.
As New York continues to expand its legal cannabis market, enforcement actions like the one in Troy highlight the challenges regulators face in ensuring that the system is used responsibly. Officials urge residents to report any suspicious cannabis sales, particularly those involving minors, to help maintain public safety and protect the integrity of the legal market.
The Troy arrests serve as a stark reminder that despite legalization, illegal sales—especially those targeting kids—will not be tolerated. As the legal framework evolves, strong enforcement and community awareness remain crucial to keeping cannabis out of the hands of minors and ensuring that those who break the law face serious consequences.