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HERE

Smoke Shop Sweep on UWS Yields Seizures and Fines

January 6, 2023 | 2:25 PM - Updated on January 11, 2023 | 3:33 AM
in CRIME, NEWS
59
Inspecting the inventory. Photographs via Councilmember Brewer’s office.

By Ed Hersh

A task force of investigators swooped onto the Upper West Side on Thursday to conduct surprise inspections of several of the proliferating smoke shops in the 20th and 24th precincts. Led by the New York City Sheriff’s Office, the task force included members of the NYPD and the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. City Council Member Gale Brewer “rode along.”

Over $200,000 worth of “unregulated THC vapes, edibles, untaxed cigarettes, and (illegal) flavored vapes” were seized and more than $16,000 in fines were issued to the offending stores, according to a posting on the Sheriff’s office Facebook page. Large bags of confiscated merchandise could be seen being taken from the stores.

Removing illegal items, as CM Brewer looks on.

The enforcement action has its roots in last month’s survey by Brewer’s office, which found at least 61 smoke shops had opened in her district and at least 26 were selling cannabis and/or illegal tobacco products. NYC Sheriff Anthony Miranda — whose office has taken the lead on smoke-shop enforcement — requested the list and promised to invite Brewer to observe the inspections when they occurred. Also present were several members of her staff and of the City Council Committee on Oversight and Investigation, which Brewer chairs.

The sweeps use civil not criminal laws to seize merchandise that is deemed to be in violation of state tax regulations on cigarette and marijuana sales, along with city laws about selling flavored vapes. Although marijuana is now legal to possess, there is currently only ONE legal dispensary operating in the city, opened just before the new year by Housing Works downtown; any other store selling cannabis products is doing so illegally.

Doing the paperwork.

Brewer’s spokesperson told us that of five shops visited, the bulk of merchandise was seized at the Zaza Waza Smoke Shop on Columbus Avenue between 86th and 87th Streets (which is diagonally across the street from Brewer’s office), and a store called Vape Dispensary on Broadway at 90th Street.

NY1 was given advance word of the sweep and their report is here.

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59 Comments
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Adam
Adam
25 days ago

Bravo!!! Thank you NYPD. These stores are are illegal narcotics distributors and cannot operate in brazen ignorance of the law.

44
Reply
Katherine
Katherine
24 days ago
Reply to  Adam

I’d substitute “defiance” for “ignorance”. They were breaking the law knowingly. This is the very predictable consequence.

6
Reply
David S
David S
24 days ago
Reply to  Adam

Really? You think the operators of these businesses were ignorant of the fact that they were doing something illegal?

5
Reply
Linda
Linda
25 days ago

Hurrah!!!! Go after more and more!

35
Reply
Blackbeard
Blackbeard
25 days ago

With violent crime soaring this is what law enforcement focuses on? This may be a priority for Gail Brewer but it’s not for me.

67
Reply
Iaina
Iaina
24 days ago
Reply to  Blackbeard

To solve all these problems, you need a tax base. These stores are skirting sales tax. And robbing NYC taxpayers

9
Reply
EricTrappist
EricTrappist
25 days ago
Reply to  Blackbeard

Can’t make everyone happy. Wah-wohhhhh. Don’t you think this is a good place to start? It certainly isn’t going to hurt the situation.

Last edited 25 days ago by EricTrappist
17
Reply
Jay
Jay
25 days ago
Reply to  Blackbeard

Except there have been shootings at these shops.

20
Reply
Ish Kabibble
Ish Kabibble
25 days ago
Reply to  Jay

Shootings? I recall hearing of one. Have there been others?

3
Reply
Elisabeth Jakab
Elisabeth Jakab
25 days ago

Thank you for doing this!

16
Reply
MJB
MJB
25 days ago

A step towards normalcy.

20
Reply
Peter
Peter
25 days ago

Shut them all down. Noone needs any of this in the neighborhood – or anywhere.

35
Reply
John
John
25 days ago
Reply to  Peter

They are coming whether you like them or not. The city will be taxing the dealers heavily.

5
Reply
Buttabing
Buttabing
25 days ago
Reply to  Peter

Yes yes yes!!! Gail Brewer take them all down they’re so many going up too 110th. A huge one matter of fact… On the North side of the street. And I believe there’s a little hidden gem on the south side near the Td bank… Right around the corner I was told this by my own son….. The kids from Columbia it’s like a field day for them… ? So the cannabis that’s being sold in the shop they’re not licensed to sell all that. So why are all of them still open and here if it’s illegal…..

5
Reply
GeorgeCPW
GeorgeCPW
25 days ago

There is also the risk that illicit canabis products are adulterated, for example with fentanyl.

25
Reply
Phoebe
Phoebe
24 days ago
Reply to  GeorgeCPW

They could be adulterated with K2. Anything. Oregano—lol—and stuff much more insidious than marijuana. People are risking their health. I know this won’t be published, but I’m asking: Why don’t people just grow their own? It’s a weed. Isn’t it?

1
Reply
doodad
doodad
24 days ago
Reply to  GeorgeCPW

This is concern adulterated with fear mongering. There are no credible evidence that marijuana is being laced with fentanyl. Pesticides, heavy metals, other contaminants, sure – a legitimate concern and a good reason for licensing and regulation.

7
Reply
Buttabing
Buttabing
25 days ago
Reply to  GeorgeCPW

Go to the first legal dispensary in New York people need to get the word out more … But the youth will not listen….

1
Reply
Francesca Turchiano
Francesca Turchiano
25 days ago
Reply to  GeorgeCPW

Hi George. I thought that — fentanyl lacing — seemed inevitable. Someone asserted the opposite. In either case the UWS, especially around 72nd Street, is a real drug-dealing hub with attendant problem s. We don’t need more of the same.

9
Reply
Jay
Jay
25 days ago

And about the vans, which I’m sure are not licensed?

10
Reply
JT90
JT90
24 days ago
Reply to  Jay

Please get rid of the vans! Traffic Broadway approaching 96th is a nightmare due to the double parking and the clientele who hang out around them.

4
Reply
Kaiser
Kaiser
25 days ago

Only 2…? Smoke and Mirrors. There are at least 3 shops a 2min walk away from the 20th Pct. One that opened on Friday. I’ll give praise when the real crack down happens. But I guess its a good start.

Last edited 25 days ago by Kaiser
9
Reply
Joe
Joe
25 days ago

Theses smoke and pot stores are going to make crime soar.

11
Reply
Peggy
Peggy
25 days ago

Thank you.

4
Reply
DPuws
DPuws
25 days ago

Can they ever focus on a real problem???? Violence, mental health, subway crime….nope let’s focus on busting people selling a legal product without a license….do you people actually think pot wasn’t in the neighborhood before these shops???? What a joke!

48
Reply
Buttabing
Buttabing
25 days ago
Reply to  DPuws

Huh so many people that I didn’t imagine would be smoking I see it in the street now every day… I’m just amazed now I’m talking everybody from the dog walker to the stay at home mom to the couples in the park or even in the Hudson… So everybody like I said did I mention the couples going out to a nice restaurant or etc,etc.

4
Reply
DPuws
DPuws
25 days ago
Reply to  Buttabing

They were doing it before this, just inside their homes since it was illegal and they risked an arrest or court appearance. Wake up people. This is not the cause of the spike in crazy or violence, the lack of respect for our court system and bail reform is to blame….hence my original point.

17
Reply
Sarah
Sarah
25 days ago
Reply to  DPuws

You need a license to sell to ensure that the product is regulated, taxed, and not marketed or sold to children. This is a very reasonable requirement; tobacco retailers also must be licensed by city and state. If we’re going to have legal pot (which I have no problem with), we need to make it safe, too.

(Also, these particular, unlicensed, shady stores attract crime in themselves…)

20
Reply
Kathleen
Kathleen
25 days ago
Reply to  Sarah

So NYS needs to get moving on licensing these places to make them legal. It’s been legal to possess and use pot for a year and still can’t buy it legally anywhere….that the problem.

13
Reply
Sarah
Sarah
24 days ago
Reply to  Kathleen

First store opened in Astor Place last week! Most of these particular places won’t apply for licenses and aren’t interested in complying with regulations. I agree the delay in getting the license system set up was a cock-up, but now you have your option and hopefully more will follow quickly.

1
Reply
Buttabing
Buttabing
25 days ago
Reply to  Sarah

Amen

1
Reply
Mark Moore
Mark Moore
25 days ago
Reply to  Sarah

The situation now is MUCH safer than it was before. Let’s not go back which is what this is.

1
Reply
Steve
Steve
25 days ago

New York City and State must close these unlicensed places so that people who choose to buy and use cannabis, cigarettes, etc. know that what they are buying has been tested and does not contain heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.

21
Reply
Phoebe
Phoebe
24 days ago
Reply to  Steve

Speaking of toxic chemicals, I wish people would stop smoking regular cigarettes all over the place. Smoke pot, go home and go to sleep. Just don’t smoke regular cigarettes. What in the world do they do that “helps” you live your life?! (And pick up your roaches—you’re hurting the dogs). GIGA

1
Reply
Kathleen
Kathleen
25 days ago
Reply to  Steve

Which would be great IF the state actually licensed places.

6
Reply
PSG
PSG
25 days ago

Great job and thank you! Plus, I have to wonder exactly how these shops with “small ticket merchandise” can afford UWS rent that restaurants, with more expensive product between food and drink and more traffic, can barely hang on… the math just isn’t there for me. Something has to be fishy – or skunky – with these shops!

14
Reply
Chuck D
Chuck D
25 days ago

How about getting licensure and regulations up and running first? We don’t need 61 smoke shops. But 2 or 3 well-regulated would be fine. Seriously, don’t decriminalize it and then fail to provide a safe and practical path to selling it.

26
Reply
Frustrated UWS
Frustrated UWS
25 days ago
Reply to  Chuck D

EXACTLY. But our legislators needed votes and sound bytes and rapidly legalized it without any protections or thoughts to roll it out responsibly. There are “weed trucks” on our streets and no one is talking about them or how kids are going up to them and making purchases. None of this was happening before they legalized marijuana before a plan was in place.

How can people not see through these state officials? They only care for what will give them votes immediately. It can’t be more obvious here.

13
Reply
Mark Moore
Mark Moore
25 days ago

It’s a legal substance with only one place in the whole city to buy it legally. Leave these people alone. They’re not hurting anyone.

20
Reply
Seriously?
Seriously?
24 days ago
Reply to  Mark Moore

They’re hurting a lot of people by hurting the city’s tax revenue. New York only legalized marijuana to try and shore up some tax flow that was badly damaged by all the wealthy people that left during the pandemic

2
Reply
Marvin P
Marvin P
25 days ago
Reply to  Mark Moore

Exactly. The legal shop near Astor Place has astronomical prices. It’s ridiculous.

5
Reply
dannyb
dannyb
25 days ago

Of course some, make that many, of us would ask just why there are all these extra requirements, licenses, and, for that matter, an entire taxpayer supported law enforcement agency, dedicated to marijuana regulation.
But that’s just us folk who foolishly believe in free enterprise and, well, freedom..

5
Reply
denton
denton
25 days ago
Reply to  dannyb

I guess that means we should dispense with liquor licenses too, right? Another taxpayer supported regulatory agency.

6
Reply
dannyb
dannyb
24 days ago
Reply to  denton

Eyup, getting rid of the SLA (no, not the Patty Hearst one…) should be a no brainer.

0
Reply
Inwoodite
Inwoodite
25 days ago

Great. But why do the guys selling out of vans go untouched?

7
Reply
Alicia
Alicia
25 days ago

The smoke shops really don’t bother me, but I can understand the problem of state losing taxes. Jumpcut – I really wish Gail Brewer would put half the attention to the electric bikes that are running crazy and breaking the law all day long on the upper west side.

7
Reply
Janis
Janis
24 days ago
Reply to  Alicia

Not to mention the ones riding on sidewalks.

4
Reply
Peter
Peter
25 days ago

$16k in fines is letting them off easy.

5
Reply
zig
zig
25 days ago

what is landlords role in all these smoke shops?

6
Reply
Robert
Robert
25 days ago

This was NOT NYPD The law was written to make these civil not criminal and then only violations enforceable by the Sheriff not NYPD Therefore these fines will not put a dent in their biz. All states that have made pot legal have had their money expectations fall 90+ short of expected tax incoming In Cal the legal industry is suing the state to get them massively crack down on the illegal mrt. Wash Post had another front-page article on this last week.

2
Reply
Boris
Boris
24 days ago
Reply to  Robert

I would like to see the Sheriff Department play a more active role in enforcing violations whether civil or criminal. They seem to take their jobs more seriously, are eager to flex their muscles, and have seizure capabilities. I imagine they would put a big dent in the illegal motorbike rides that terrorize our neighborhood. A couple of deputies on horseback would round out the picture quite well.

5
Reply
Sidney Owl
Sidney Owl
24 days ago

All those cops should be pulling over the speeders with fake license plates. That would help a lot more.

1
Reply
UWSDAD
UWSDAD
24 days ago
Reply to  Sidney Owl

These are not NYPD officers. They are officers from the Sheriff’s Office.

0
Reply
Janis
Janis
24 days ago

They can’t open fast enough. We now have 4 between W 92 and W 95.
Not to mention the Vans who so blatantly set up shop.
If UWSers continue to allow this to happen we’ll soon be looking like San Francisco and Portland.
Amazingly those who vote for such legislation fail to look at the results of their decisions.

4
Reply
GG24
GG24
24 days ago

Here’s a list of more pressing issues in the neighborhood:

Violent crime
Homelessness/Mental Illness
Scooter & Ebike safety
Dog excrement
Rats
Shoplifting
Empty Store fronts
Scaffolding
Garbage
Real drug dealing
Parking/Traffic issues

And so on…I’m sure many of you would like to add to this list.

9
Reply
Katherine
Katherine
24 days ago

This neighborhood does not need 61 smoke shops.

4
Reply
thomas
thomas
23 days ago

unbelievable yeah let’s bust the smoke shops but not do anything about bail reform the biggest danger to the people.I can’t recall last time a person high on Marijuana did anything dangerous except over eat.Lets get the real problems solved before this petty stuff

1
Reply
trackback
The North Face; Wafels & Dinges; Rite Aid; Zootiez; Columbus Park Dental; Intimissimi; Wonder; Indie Food and Wine – West Side Rag - Ny Cannabis Industry News
20 days ago

[…] full stop,” said a representative from City Council Member Gale Brewer’s office. A recent sweep of smoke shops on the UWS confiscated more than $200,000 of unregulated THC, cigarettes and vaping […]

0
Reply
trackback
The North Face; Wafels & Dinges; Rite Aid; Zootiez; Columbus Park Dental; Intimissimi; Wonder; Indie Food and Wine – West Side Rag - NY Cannabis News
20 days ago

[…] full stop,” said a representative from City Council Member Gale Brewer’s office. A recent sweep of smoke shops on the UWS confiscated more than $200,000 of unregulated THC, cigarettes and vaping […]

0
Reply

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