New York City Mayor Eric Adams and key city officials announced the destruction of over four tons of illegal cannabis products, a move that comes on the heels of a comprehensive crackdown that has shuttered more than 1,000 unlicensed cannabis and smoke shops in the city. The initiative, known as “Operation Padlock to Protect,” launched nearly four months ago, has proven to be a swift and effective response to the proliferation of illegal cannabis sales across the five boroughs.
Mayor Adams highlighted the magnitude of the operation’s success, noting that the city’s task force, composed of the Sheriff’s Office, the NYPD, and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), has inspected every shop identified in the initial sweep for illegal cannabis sales.
“Illegal cannabis shops and their products endanger our young people and our quality of life,” Adams stated, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to ensuring these substances are permanently removed from the streets.
More than $63 million worth of illegal products have been confiscated, filling the NYPD’s evidence warehouses to capacity. In response, Mayor Adams joined the task force in witnessing the standard procedure for the destruction of these substances, where they are incinerated in an environmentally responsible manner, contributing to local energy sources.
Sheriff Anthony Miranda, speaking on the success of “Operation Padlock,” expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the shutdown of illegal operations that had plagued New York City. “The Sheriff’s Office, along with our partners in the NYPD and DCWP, has been extremely successful in padlocking the illegal smoke shops that have targeted our youth,” Miranda said, while also acknowledging that the work is far from over.
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban reinforced the operation’s dual focus on public safety and the stability of the emerging legal cannabis industry. He warned that unlicensed operators not only endanger public health but also undermine the legitimate cannabis economy. “The safe sale and distribution of legal cannabis in New York City can only be ensured by a properly licensed, regulated, and standardized industry,” Caban stated, vowing to continue the enforcement of cannabis regulations to protect New Yorkers.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul praised the city’s efforts, acknowledging the significant strides made in curbing illegal cannabis sales. “This partnership between the state and city has shut down more than 1,300 unlicensed stores statewide,” Hochul said.
