Local police, Neuhaus announce crackdown on illegal cannabis, flavored vapes
Chester. Illegal products were seized from locations in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, and several other outlets throughout the county.
Monroe /
| 02 Aug 2024 | 11:04
As the rollout of legal recreational cannabis dispensaries continues its slow pace across the state, several local law enforcement agencies have been working to crack down on the illegal operations that have sprung up throughout the county.
In an announcement, the county described actions taken against several local retail establishments that were found to be unlawfully selling cannabis and edibles, including gummies and chocolate bars containing psychoactive drugs, and flavored vapes, which are also now prohibited.
“There is nothing more valuable than our children and keeping them out of harm’s way. These illegal items are packaged to entice children and resemble candy,” stated Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “I, along with local and state agencies, want to increase awareness and will continue to take necessary actions to keep our communities safe.”
“Overall, this operation resulted in numerous store closures, the issuance of violations with substantial fines, the seizure of large quantities of illegal products, and multiple arrests,” said Detective Anthony Grosso, a drug recognition expert with the Village of Chester Police Department. “Each item removed from circulation reduces the risk of youth access and has the potential to decrease incidents of impaired driving for persons of all ages because ‘if you feel different, you drive different.’”
A total of nine retail establishments were inspected on July 30 and July 31, unannounced. Below is a list of what the officers found at each location.
Tobacco House at 69 Brookside Avenue, Chester: The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) allegedly seized $50,000 worth of illegal products. The Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) also allegedly found 3,000 boxes of flavored vapes. According to the county, this was their second vape violation and the OCDOH served a violation with a fine of $150,250. The location was put on notice and tagged with a sticker in the window stating: Illegal cannabis seized here.
Beer World at 151 Greenwich Avenue, Goshen: The OCDOH fined this location $300 for a vape violation. OCM also allegedly seized $70,000 worth of illegal products from this location, which was also tagged with a sticker in the window stating: Illegal cannabis seized here.
Mobil Gas Station at 400 Greenwich Avenue, Goshen: This establishment also received a vape violation with a fine of $300 by the OCDOH and was put on notice and tagged with a sticker in the window stating: Illegal cannabis seized here. The OCM reportedly seized all of its illegal products.
Kosmic Korner (aka Smoker’s Heaven Outlet) in Goshen: The OCDOH fined this location $300 for a vape violation and tagged it with the “Illegal cannabis seized here” window sticker as well. All products were seized by the OCM.
3 Snoop Street, Monroe: This location was padlocked and seized by the OCM twice, which claimed to find over 50 pounds of unlawful cannabis. The location was put on notice and tagged with the “Illegal cannabis seized here” sticker.
Native Organics at 400 Route 17M, Monroe: The location was put on notice and tagged with the “Illegal cannabis seized here” sticker. All products were seized by the OCM.
Top Shelf at 274 Main Street, Highland Falls. The OCDOH gave this location its first vape violation, which included a fine of $300. It was also seized and padlocked by the OCM and will carry the “Illegal cannabis seized here” sticker in its window.
West Point Smoke at 441 Main Street, Highland Falls: This establishment received its second violation for the underage sale of tobacco products, along with a fine of $1,750, a potential of two points on their license reported to New York State, and possible suspension of their tobacco and lottery license. The OCDOH also issued a second vape violation after allegedly finding 43 boxes of flavored vapes, which resulted in a fine of $2,400. The location was put on notice and tagged with the “Illegal cannabis seized here” sticker.
94 Smokeshop & Snacks at 2130 Route 94, Salisbury Mills: The OCDOH issued this location a vape violation and a fine of $300. The OCM padlocked the location and seized items such as chocolate candy bars and other illegal items.
Neuhaus expressed thanks to the local police departments and agencies for their enforcement actions, including Orange County Stop DWI, Orange County Department of Health, The Village of Chester Police Department, Town of Blooming Grove Police Department, Village of Goshen Police Department, Town of Goshen Police Department, Town of Woodbury Police Department, Village of Monroe Police Department, Highland Falls Police Department, The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), New York State Tax and Finance, National Guard Counterdrug Program, Alcohol Drug and Awareness Council (ADAC), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the New York State Police Department.