Three unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in Massena, New York were closed this week after an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration after receiving information from law enforcement in Massena.
“Yesterday, with the assistance our law enforcement partners, the DEA New York Enforcement Division conducted an operation which targeted three illegal and unlicensed marijuana dispensaries and numerous locations in upstate New York along the Northern Border,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam in a statement. “This operation resulted in the seizure of over 1000 [pounds] of marijuana and THC related products, 40 pounds of suspected Methamphetamine, and approximately 20 illegal firearms, including assault style weapons and firearms equipped with extended magazines. Thanks to the strong partnership between the DEA and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are securing our northern border, dismantling illegal operations, and holding accountable those responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with illicit drugs and violence.”
According to civil forfeiture complaints filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Uncle Crandy’s, Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena, formerly known as 1 Willow Cannabis Co., and Famous A’s were distributing marijuana and marijuana products without obtaining the necessary licenses from the State of New York.
Each dispensary also allegedly sold products prohibited by New York State law. For instance, Famous A’s sold THC products that look like candy bars; Uncle Crandy’s sold THC gummies advertised as containing more than 10 times the limit; and Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena, formerly known as 1 Willow Cannabis Co. Bank, sold marijuana products with cartoon labels. Uncle Crandy’s and Famous A’s also allegedly distributed marijuana to an underage law enforcement officer.
