The Big Weed Bust: How Authorities Shut Down a Major Illegal Cannabis Operation

In a significant move against illegal cannabis operations, authorities recently busted a large-scale trafficking business in Brooklyn. The operation, known as P. U. for its strong-smelling pot, was supplying several illegal smoke shops across the city. The warehouse, located at 209 Highland Place in East New York, was the main hub of this illicit business. The bust resulted in the seizure of approximately 500 pounds of illegal cannabis products. Two smoke shops, one in East Harlem and another in Brownsville, Brooklyn, were also shut down as part of the investigation. These shops were directly supplied by the warehouse. This crackdown is part of Operation Padlock, a joint effort by the NYPD and the city's Sheriff's Department to target unlicensed marijuana shops. Launched by Mayor Adams in May 2024, the operation has already shut down over 1, 500 illegal stores, seized more than $100 million in merchandise, and issued fines totaling over $200 million. Authorities emphasized the dangers of these illegal operations. They sell untested and unregulated products that can harm consumers. Some of these products are even targeted at children, with flavored vapes and packaging that resembles candy or cereal. These shops also attract violence due to the large amounts of cash involved. The warehouse itself was found to have illegal partitions dividing the space into different areas for various business activities. The Department of Buildings ordered the complete evacuation of the premises. This bust highlights the ongoing efforts to combat the illegal cannabis market. It's not just about shutting down the shops but also about cutting off the supply chain to make a lasting impact.