‘Operation Padlock to Protect’ statistics revealed as illegal cannabis shop busts continue across the city

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As the city continued to see a surge in illegal cannabis shop busts, initiatives across the state are looking to bring them to a halt. ‘Operation Padlock to Protect’ aims to crack down on these illegal shops. On Wednesday, elected officials revealed statistics under the initiative across the state. Officials say more than 1,000 illegal shops have been shut down citywide. They say city and state task-forces have sealed more than $63 million in illegal substances. Under the operation, officials say legal cannabis stores have seen a 72% increase in sales on average. The New York City’s MultiAgency Taskforce has also announced a total of 779 stores that have been padlocked across the state. The New York State Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce has also reported 230 shop closures across the state. Not allowed to reopen again with product. "