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Published on January 15, 2025
Authorities Seize $38K Worth of Marijuana from Unlicensed Queens Dispensary Near School and ParkSource: Google Street View

In a recent crackdown on illegal cannabis sales in Forest Hills, Queens, authorities have closed the doors of The Smoke House, an unlicensed shop at 103-17 Queens Boulevard. According to ABC7NY, more than 30 pounds of marijuana, with a street value of approximately $38,200, were seized during a raid last Friday. Additionally, this operation led to the discovery and confiscation of hundreds of cannabis products and over $4,700 in cash.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz highlighted the shop's proximity to a public park and a junior high school, underscoring the potential danger of substance accessibility to children. In an operation that observed the store's nightly activities, Katz's office reported surveillance operations that revealed sale of cannabis and related products through a steel roll-down gate. Katz stated, "These illicit dispensaries not only evade tax obligations but also jeopardize the livelihood of licensed sellers who adhere to safety and compliance standards," in a statement obtained by ABC7NY.

Enforcement efforts in Queens have been considerable, with PIX11 reporting that authorities have padlocked 272 illegal smoke shops since July of 2024. Moreover, the borough's law enforcement campaign has resulted in the seizure of over $25 million worth of marijuana products that include edibles, cannabis flowers, and vape pens.

Since November 2022, there has been significant legal fallout for those involved in the illegal cannabis market in Queens. "Our communities, particularly our children, must remain safe from the dangers posed by unlicensed, unregulated marijuana products in our neighborhoods," DA Katz told PIX11, indicating the broader intent behind these operations. The district attorney's office has prosecuted 313 individuals on felony-related charges connected to the sale or possession of cannabis and controlled substances. These efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to upholding the law and ensuring public safety linked to substance sales and consumption in the area.