The New York State Office of Cannabis Management was involved in the largest joint enforcement seizure in agency history, seizing millions in illegal cannabis products.
The Greece Police Department coordinated an enforcement action targeting multiple processing and distribution locations. This partnership emphasizes the value of interagency communication.
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s Enforcement and Investigations Division, in collaboration with the Greece Police Department, seized over $17 million in illicit cannabis, products, and processing equipment during a large-scale enforcement operation targeting multiple illegal cannabis businesses in Greece, New York.
The operation resulted in the greatest illicit cannabis seizure in OCM history, with hundreds of pounds of cannabis flower and thousands of pounds of cannabis products confiscated, including edibles and concentrates. The products were intended for distribution across Central New York.
The months-long investigation and collaborative action demonstrate OCM’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with local law enforcement to safeguard consumers, disrupt illicit cannabis activity, and strengthen New York’s regulated cannabis market.
“Illicit cannabis storefronts undermine the policies designed to make New York’s cannabis marketplace safe, fair, and equitable,” Senator Jeremy Cooney stated. “We will not allow such enterprises in our community. I applaud the Greece Police Department’s hard work and the Office of Cannabis Management’s dedication to allowing only licensed companies to thrive.
“Strong partnerships are essential for maintaining the integrity of New York’s regulated cannabis market,” said John Kagia, Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. “This operation reflects the coordinated work of state and local partners to remove illicit cannabis products from our communities, protect consumers, and support the licensed businesses that are following the law.”
“Illegal cannabis operators continue to put consumers at risk by selling untested and unregulated products outside of New York’s legal market,” stated Daniel Haughney, Director of Enforcement and Investigations at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. “These goods were not only advertised with strength much exceeding the legal limit, but they were also prepared in unclean and hazardous settings with little control. We’d like to congratulate the Greece Police Department for their great detective work on this case. We will collaborate with local law enforcement to combat criminal enterprises, remove illicit products from circulation, and protect New Yorkers’ health.
“This investigation is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our detectives, who spent months building a complex case that dismantled a significant illegal cannabis distribution operation,” stated Ryan Parina, Acting Chief of the Greece Police Department. “By removing millions of dollars in illegal products from our community, we safeguard the public, help legitimate companies, and hold those who profit from unlawful activities accountable. We appreciate the New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s participation, which aided our efforts throughout this inquiry.”
OCM continues to caution the public about the health consequences of purchasing illegal cannabis. Gummies branded with 300 mg of THC were among the products consumed during the seizure. The legal limit in New York is 10 milligrams of THC each gummy. Investigators also discovered candy bars labeled with 10,000 mg of THC per bar, when the legal limit in New York is 100 mg of THC.
“These illegal products endanger the health and safety of everyone in the community,” stated Dr. Junella Chin, Chief Medical Officer of the Office of Cannabis Management. “These gummies and chocolate bars not only violate dose rules, but also significantly breach the packaging laws that apply to legal cannabis products. They resemble candy, are not in child-resistant packaging, have not been tested, and may pose major health concerns if consumed by children or pets at home. It is critical that we remove unlicensed items from store shelves to safeguard the public health of all New Yorkers.
The inquiry is part of OCM’s continued efforts to enforce New York’s cannabis laws, safeguard consumers, and improve the regulated industry created by the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. OCM continues to collaborate with state and municipal partners to investigate illegal cannabis operations and remove unlawful items from the market. To report suspected unlawful cannabis activities, please use OCM’s online complaint form at https://cannabis.ny.gov/report-an-incident.
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