Two Bronx businesses allegedly serving as fronts for marijuana distribution operations were shut down early Wednesday.
Officials said this is one of the biggest busts the NYPD and Sheriff's Office has seen in a while.
At 3770 East Tremont Avenue, authorities seized 176 pounds of cannabis flower, 0.6 pounds of THC vape products, and psilocybin mushroom edibles.
The cannabis flower was found in hidden compartments under a couch, covered by ceiling tiles, in filing cabinets, in luggage bags, and in plain view.
They're described as being hidden in every nook and cranny.
"These are all mushroom bars, cereal milk, white chocolate, birthday cake, different flavors," said Lt. Francesca Rosa, NYC Sheriff's Office. "All of these products are unregulated, unlicensed, this location is unlicensed, they should not have any of this product here."
A nearby deli, just blocks away at 4011 East Tremont Avenue, was allegedly operating as a front for marijuana storage and distribution.
"We have what appears to be a typical deli. We have always asked the community to ask us, and let us know, if you see something, say something, do something. The complaint was registered. The team came in to do the inspection," Mayor Eric Adams said.
Two workers were arrested, the owner was not there.
"Behind the back door, it was like the Caesar's palace of illegal, it was truly amazing what was back there between marijuana, vapes, psychedelic mushrooms and it was massive. And that's part two of this. Who's bringing these products into our city, show's funding this, that will be taken up by our detective bureau on narcotics and maybe some federal partners, that's part two of this," said Chief of Patrol John Chell, NYPD.
Police say that they also found a tent and a heater to grow the cannabis.
In total, authorities say the investigations resulted in a total of nine arrests.
The investigations were triggered by neighbors who saw something, and said something.
"I want to thank you, first and foremost, the community, because if it weren't for you, the rest of us wouldn't be standing here closing this operation," said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell and NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard appeared on Eyewitness News Mornings @ 10 to talk about the drug bust.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell and NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard on Eyewitness News Mornings @ 10.
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