Governor Hochul sends a “clear message” as investigators shutter high-volume illegal hubs operating next to schools and childcare centers.
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has escalated its war on the unlicensed market, announcing the seizure of over $2 million in illicit products in a series of high-stakes enforcement actions. The recent operations, which spanned from the dense streets of Brooklyn to the rural outskirts of Rhinebeck, signal a new level of “unmistakable” pressure from the state.
The Rogers Avenue Bust: $1.4 Million Next to a Pre-School
In a major victory for neighborhood residents, investigators with the OCM’s Enforcement and Investigations Division executed a court-issued access order on January 30 at 645 Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn.
The Scale: The raid uncovered a massive cache of illegal inventory, including 220 pounds of cannabis flowervacuum-sealed for distribution, alongside untracked concentrates, edibles, and pre-rolls.
The Street Value: Officials estimated the total street value of the Brooklyn seizure at more than $1.4 million.
The Violation: Most concerning to local authorities was the location—the illicit shop was operating directly adjacent to a childcare center. Neighbors had previously filed complaints regarding the strong odor and illegal activity at the site.
The Rhinebeck Raid: A $900,000 Rural Grow Operation
The enforcement didn’t stop at the city limits. On February 10, investigators targeted a sophisticated unlicensed operation in Rhinebeck (Dutchess County) that was functioning as a multi-tier illicit hub.
The Operation: Unlike a standard retail shop, this site was being utilized to grow, process, and store illicit products before sale.
The Haul: Agents seized 105 pounds of flower, 73 pounds of edibles, and 5 pounds of concentrates valued at over $900,000.
The Outcome: The location was immediately issued an Order to Seal and padlocked by state authorities.
Restoring the Shield: 22 Closures in 2026
This surge in activity is part of a broader strategy to “restore confidence” in New York’s regulated market.
2026 Momentum: So far this year, the OCM has already shuttered 22 illegal shops, contributing to a grand total of 557 storefronts padlocked across the state.
Safety First: Governor Hochul emphasized that legal dispensaries must adhere to strict operational rules, including mandatory age verification and restrictions on product displays. Unlicensed shops bypass these protections, often selling untested products that pose significant health risks to the community.
“Whether in major cities like New York or in rural communities like Rhinebeck, our investigators work every day to shut the illegal operators down,” said Daniel Haughney, OCM Director of Enforcement and Investigations.
