Three unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in Massena, New York were closed after a federal investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to a May 21 announcement from First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and other law enforcement officials.
The closures followed a coordinated operation involving multiple agencies that resulted in the seizure of over 1,000 pounds of marijuana and THC products, 40 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and approximately 20 illegal firearms. The action highlights ongoing efforts to address illegal drug activity and its impact on community safety.
“Since appointed to lead this office, it has been my priority to improve collaboration between federal partners and local law enforcement,” said John A. Sarcone III. “This operation is a shining example of that collaboration. Let this operation serve as a warning to anyone who believes they can exploit this region for criminal activity: the full resources of the federal government, working alongside our state and local partners, are now aligned, coordinated, and committed to shutting these operations down.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam said: “Yesterday, with the assistance our law enforcement partners, the DEA New York Enforcement Division conducted an operation which targeted three illegal and unlicensed marijuana dispensaries and numerous locations in upstate New York along the Northern Border. This operation resulted in the seizure of over 1000 lbs. of marijuana and THC related products, 40 pounds of suspected Methamphetamine, and approximately 20 illegal firearms… Thanks to the strong partnership between the DEA and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners… we are securing our northern border… dismantling illegal operations… holding accountable those responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with illicit drugs.” IRS-CI Special Agent Harry Chavis added: “We remain committed to ensuring that every business operating in this district follows the law… By following the money we are able to disrupt profit incentives that drive this conduct.” St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle said: “This was a great law enforcement collaboration with our federal and local partners to help keep our community safe.” Clinton County Sheriff David Favro said: “This case is a perfect example demonstrating the impact of strong interagency partnerships… resulting in a much safer community.”
According to civil forfeiture complaints filed in United States District Court for Northern District of New York (NDNY), Uncle Crandy’s; Vape Bank/All The Smoke Massena (formerly known as 1 Willow Cannabis Co.),;and Famous A’s distributed marijuana without required licenses from New York State—allegedly selling prohibited products such as THC-infused candy bars or gummies far exceeding legal limits—and allegedly sold some items directly or indirectly to underage individuals.
The U.S. Attorney for NDNY supports community wellness by coordinating initiatives among more than fifty attorneys across offices including Albany, Binghamton, Plattsburgh,and Syracuse while prosecuting cases across thirty-two counties covering more than thirty thousand square miles,according to its official website.
Authorities say investigations will continue into alleged trafficking networks operating along northern borders.
