Four illegal cannabis shops padlocked in Queens as ‘Operation Weed Whacker’ ramps up
QUEENS, NY – A sweeping crackdown on unlicensed cannabis shops in Queens led to the padlocking of four storefronts and the arrest of seven individuals, following a months-long undercover investigation that uncovered elaborate traps hiding hundreds of pounds of illegal products.
Dubbed Operation Weed Whacker, the latest phase of enforcement unfolded across five commercial locations between November 24 and January 16. Prosecutors say illegal cannabis and tobacco were stashed in hidden compartments—including behind a fake TV and inside a false electrical panel—at two of the businesses.
The storefronts shut down as part of the operation include Love Story in Rosedale, Cloud Corner in Auburndale, Oakland Smoke Shop in Oakland Gardens, and 18506 Convenience & Smoke Shop in Fresh Meadows. A fifth location, The Deli & Grocery Store Inn Linne in Rochdale, was issued a summons.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office said the raids resulted in the seizure of 100 pounds of cannabis flower, 56 pounds of cannabis vapes, 68 pounds of edibles, 204 pounds of illegal flavored tobacco vapes, and 149 pounds of other tobacco products.
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Seven people were arrested and charged with criminal possession of cannabis. Their names and specific charges were not released at the time of announcement.
According to DA Melinda Katz, the unregulated stores pose significant risks to the public, particularly because many of the products are made to resemble popular candies—potentially attracting children.
Since May 2024, 335 shops have been padlocked in Queens as part of ongoing enforcement efforts, including mobile operations run out of trucks and vans. Authorities report that since November 2022, more than 450 individuals have been prosecuted in Queens on felony-level drug charges tied to illegal cannabis and controlled substances.
The coordinated investigation was led by the DA’s Crime Strategies and Intelligence Bureau, with support from the NYPD, New York City Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police Troop NYC – Queens Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
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Key Points
- Four cannabis shops in Queens were padlocked after a long-term undercover investigation
- Seven people were arrested and hundreds of pounds of illegal cannabis and tobacco were seized
- Two stores used hidden compartments to conceal product, including a false TV and electrical panel
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