Over 300 pounds of illegal cannabis products and over 170 pounds of illegal tobacco vapes were seized in Queens, Katz said.
Six illegal cannabis storefronts in the borough were padlocked after a months-long undercover investigation.
Four people were also arrested and hundreds of pounds of illicit cannabis and tobacco products were seized.
"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," Katz said.
The six locations that were searched and padlocked from July 16 through August 14 are:
A total of 130 pounds of cannabis flower, 110 pounds of cannabis vapes, 74 pounds of cannabis edibles and 173 pounds of illegal flavored tobacco vapes were seized from the six locations.
"Operation Weed Whacker" is part of the district attorney's ongoing effort to rid Queens of illegal cannabis dispensaries, whether operating out of trucks and vans or brick-and-mortar commercial locations.
Since November 2022, enforcement operations have resulted in the prosecution of 445 individuals for felony-related charges related to the sale and/or possession of cannabis or controlled substances in Queens.
A total of 310 shops in Queens County have been padlocked since July 2024 through the assistance of the New York City Sheriff's Office and the NYPD.
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