August 20, 2025 QUEENS, NY —In a major crackdown on the illicit cannabis market, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the closure of six illegal pot shops and the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illegal products. The operation, dubbed “Operation Weed Whacker,” is part of a broader, ongoing effort to curb the proliferation of unregulated cannabis and tobacco products in the borough.
The multi-month undercover investigation, which spanned from July 16 to August 14, led to the arrests of four individuals. Authorities confiscated a staggering 314 pounds of cannabis, including 130 pounds of flower, 110 pounds of vapes, and 74 pounds of edibles. Additionally, over 170 pounds of illegal flavored tobacco vapes were seized.
District Attorney Katz emphasized her office’s commitment to protecting the public and supporting legal businesses. "My office, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to ensure compliance so that legitimate businesses can thrive and our neighbors, particularly young people, remain safe from the unregulated products sold by illegal shops," Katz said.
The Closed Shops
The six storefronts padlocked in the operation are:
- Hollis Convenience at 190-12 99th Avenue in Hollis
- Moonrocks at 46-06 Utopia Parkway in Flushing
- No Limit at 231-01b Linden Boulevard in Cambria Heights
- ZaZa Exotic (Linden Green Farms Inc.) at 231-07 Linden Boulevard in Cambria Heights
- Sunnyside Clouds at 45-03 40th Street in Sunnyside
- Fumes Puff at 41-25 Queens Blvd in Sunnyside
