Queens DA shuts down six illegal cannabis stores in major citywide sweep
QUEENS, NY – A major crackdown on unlicensed marijuana businesses led to the closure of six illegal cannabis storefronts across Queens, four arrests, and the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illegal products, District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday.
Dubbed Operation Weed Whacker, the months-long investigation involved undercover buys and resulted in the padlocking of six retail locations between July 16 and August 14. Authorities seized more than 130 pounds of cannabis flower, 110 pounds of cannabis vapes, 74 pounds of edibles, and 173 pounds of flavored tobacco vapes.
The six shuttered businesses include:
- Hollis Convenience at 190-12 99th Avenue, Hollis
- Moonrocks at 46-06 Utopia Parkway, Flushing
- No Limit at 231-01b Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights
- ZaZa Exotic at 231-07 Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights
- Sunnyside Clouds at 45-03 40th Street, Sunnyside
- Fumes Puff at 41-25 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside
Among those arrested was 24-year-old Mahmud Hossain of Queens Village, charged with first-degree criminal possession of cannabis. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 4 and faces up to seven years in prison.
Michael Deblasio, 32, of Woodhaven, and Hemyar Naji, 34, of Brooklyn, were arraigned on August 13 for second-degree criminal possession of cannabis. They face up to four years if convicted and are due in court October 14. A fourth individual received a desk appearance ticket on August 14.
This sweep is part of the District Attorney’s wider effort to eliminate illegal cannabis dispensaries operating in both mobile and fixed locations. Since July 2024, 310 such shops have been padlocked across Queens with help from the NYPD and the New York City Sheriff’s Office. Since November 2022, 445 individuals have been prosecuted in Queens for cannabis- and drug-related felony offenses.
DA Katz’s office says operations like this help protect public health and safety, while leveling the playing field for state-licensed cannabis businesses.
––
Key Points
- Six illegal cannabis storefronts shut down across Queens in “Operation Weed Whacker”
- Four individuals charged; over 487 pounds of cannabis and tobacco products seized
- 310 illegal cannabis shops have been padlocked in Queens since July 2024
