Dozens of illegal smoke shops have been shut down across New York City during the first week of what Mayor Eric Adams calls “Operation Padlock to Protect.”
The task force which includes the NYPD, the sheriff’s office, and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has shut down 75 illegal smoke shops and has also issued nearly $6 million in penalties, and nearly 4,000 violations.
The mayor has vowed to shut down smoke shops selling illegal cannabis products.
There are approximately 2,900 illegal smoke shops in New York City.
One location on Sixth Avenue and 12th Street racked up $84,000 worth of fines after being busted with nearly $55,000 worth of illegal cannabis.
