Illegal weed shop busted in Queens as cops seize hundreds of pounds of cannabis and machete
QUEENS, NY — A hidden cannabis operation disguised behind storefronts on a busy Queens boulevard was shut down after authorities uncovered a massive stash of illegal drugs and weapons, officials said.
The bust targeted two locations on Merrick Boulevard in Laurelton that were allegedly operating together as a single unlicensed dispensary, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
During a court-authorized raid, investigators seized staggering amounts of contraband — including about 300 pounds of cannabis flower, 95 pounds of vape products and 350 pounds of cannabis-infused edibles.
Authorities also recovered 312 pounds of illegal flavored tobacco vapes, 30 pounds of additional tobacco products and a machete.
Officials said the operation used a deceptive setup to avoid detection.
One location appeared to be a shuttered storefront used to store and distribute cannabis, while a second nearby site — posing as a driving school — was allegedly used to conduct sales with customers.
Five individuals were arrested at the scene and face various charges related to criminal possession of cannabis.
Prosecutors warned that illegal dispensaries continue to pose risks to communities, particularly because many products are packaged to resemble popular candy and snacks — raising concerns about appeal to children.
The takedown is part of “Operation Weed Whacker,” an ongoing crackdown targeting unlicensed cannabis businesses across Queens.
Authorities say the enforcement push has already led to hundreds of arrests and the closure of hundreds of illegal shops in recent years.
Key Points
- Illegal cannabis shop shut down at two Queens locations
- Hundreds of pounds of cannabis, vapes and edibles seized
- Five people arrested during multi-agency raid