After yesterday’s announcement, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ project has been put into action. The officers working for the “Operation Padlock to Protect” have just reported the results of its first week since it went into effect. 150 establishments were inspected resulting in 77 cease and desist orders and 75 shops shut, 370 notices of violations holding 3,878 counts of violations and nearly 6 million dollars issued in penalties. These businesses sold cannabis, THC edibles, THC vape, untaxed cigarettes, flavored tobacco, flavored vapes, or other tobacco products without a city license.
The task force consists of members from the Sheriff’s Office, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), who conducted the operations on May 4, 7, 9, and 11.
“With the backing of legal authority behind us, our administration will act swiftly to combat illegal cannabis and smoke shop operators. For too long, they have posed a threat to our children, our public safety, and our quality of life, and they have undermined those justice-involved, legal businesses that are trying to succeed,” said Mayor Adams.
He added, “With this coordinated and sustained multi-agency enforcement, we will help usher in a thriving, safe, and just legal cannabis market that our city deserves while protecting our city’s children, families, and vibrant business districts from being subjected to these brazen storefronts.”
