By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Tuesday the closure of an unlicensed cannabis shop that operated at on Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, blocks away from a public park and a junior high school. More than 30 pounds of marijuana, with a street value of approximately $38,200, were confiscated, as well hundreds of packages of cannabis product, following a search of the premises.
According to the investigation, surveillance operations revealed the ongoing illegal sale of cannabis and related products through a roll-down steel gate at The Smoke House, at 103-17 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills. In addition, at approximately 8 p.m. every night, the store’s gate opened and customers entered to purchase the illicit products that were prominently displayed throughout the interior.
A search of the store was conducted by members of the NYPD, Sheriff’s Office and DA Katz’s Detective Bureau on Jan. 10 at approximately 8 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of the City Sheriff’s Office
A total of 272 shops in Queens have been padlocked since July 2024 through the assistance of the City Sheriff’s Office and the NYPD, DA Katz noted.
Officers recovered 31.8 pounds of marijuana flower, hundreds of packages containing cannabis gummies, flavored vapes, THC vapes, pre-rolls and edibles, as well as $4,713 in cash and brass knuckles.
Since November 2022, enforcement operations have resulted in the prosecution of 313 individuals for felony-related charges related to the sale and/or possession of cannabis or controlled substances in Queens.
“Our communities, particularly our children, must remain safe from the dangers posed by unlicensed, unregulated marijuana products in our neighborhoods,” Katz said. “Recently, a shop situated two blocks from Yellowstone Park and Russell Sage Junior High School became a focal point of community concerns, prompting my office to carry out surveillance and enforcement efforts. These illicit dispensaries not only evade tax obligations but also jeopardize the livelihood of licensed sellers who adhere to safety and compliance standards. My office will continue to ensure public safety and compliance across the borough.”
