A Queens District Attorney's office press release details a major cannabis bust in NYC, with six individuals facing charges for their roles in a large-scale illegal cannabis operation. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the interception of the smuggling ring which was transporting thousands of pounds of unregulated cannabis from California. Over 2,000 pounds with an estimated street value of $2.5 million were seized from two trucks and storage locations in Maspeth and Long Island City.
According to the district attorney's statement, "the defendants ran a large-scale operation, illegally transporting thousands of pounds of illicit cannabis into this borough." The press release affirms that illegal operations can lead to harm within communities, highlighted as a justification for the rigorous approval protocols legal cannabis shops must go through in the state. Katz's office worked closely with the New York City Sheriff, NYPD, and the DEA to ensure these unlicensed products did not distribute in the city.
Arrested individuals include Eduardo Lopez, 29, and Courtney Ferguson, 40, both from Manhattan, along with Emerson Ramos Garcia, 24, of Bayside; Jose Carbajal Enamorado, 24, of Jackson Heights; and Erzhena Mitupova, 34, and Anna Migal, 47, both from Kew Gardens. They were charged with first-degree criminal possession of cannabis. If convicted, each could serve between 2 1/3 to seven years in prison.
The multi-agency operation began in April, investigating the ongoing transportation and sale of illicit cannabis products from California. The products were transported via trucks and distributed from storage units to various distributors and customers. It culminated with court-authorized search warrants which led to confiscation of large amounts of THC flower and vape pens, alongside packaging equipment. The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies commended the operation for disrupting the flow of illegal substances into New York and safeguarding legitimate, regulated businesses.
New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda expressed appreciation for the joint efforts, stating that the takedown contributes to "ensuring public safety" and upholds the "legal framework designed to bring economic and social benefits to New York City." DEA New Jersey Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz shared this view, noting that although cannabis is legal in New York, those violating federal law through illicit distribution networks will remain subject to enforcement actions. The investigation was led by A.D.A. Brandi Kligman with support from several department heads and investigators, according to the Queens District Attorney's Office.
