Page 28 - The Indian EYE 052424

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 24, 2024 | The Indian Eye 28

NYC Mayor Announces 75 Illegal Smoke

And Cannabis Shops Ordered Closed

OUR BUREAU coming weeks. The Sherriff’s Joint
Compliance Task Force systematical-
EW YORK, NY ly conducts joint operations in neigh-
New York City Mayor Eric borhoods across the five boroughs,
NAdams today announced the which includes inspections and fol-
results of week one of “Operation low-up inspections. When operators
Padlock to Protect” — a sustained are ordered to be sealed, local NYPD
multi-agency enforcement action to precincts monitor those locations
shut down illegal smoke and cannabis to ensure compliance and alert the
shops across the five boroughs. In the Sheriff’s Office when violations of
first week of enforcement, the New the seal order occur. The NYPD can
York City Sherriff’s Joint Compli- also make arrests for violating the
ance Task Force — made up of mem- sheriff’s closure orders. ‘Operation
bers from the Sheriff’s Office, the Padlock to Protect’ is an example of
New York City Police Department the Adams administration’s efforts
(NYPD), and the New York City to double down on its commitment
Department of Consumer and Work- to swiftly shut down illegal operators,
er Protection (DCWP) — sealed 75 protect the city’s children, improve
locations and issued nearly $6 mil- quality of life, and facilitate a safe
lion in penalties. The Sherriff’s Joint and thriving legal cannabis market.
Compliance Task Force conducted to our children, our public safety, business districts from being subject- In its first week of operations,
operations on May 4, 7, 9, and 11. and our quality of life, and they have ed to these brazen storefronts.” the Sherriff’s Joint Compliance Task
“Week one of ‘Operation Pad- undermined those justice-involved, Following Mayor Adams’ suc- Force conducted 150 inspections of
lock to Protect,’ reaffirms what we’ve legal businesses that are trying to cessful advocacy in Albany for mu- unlicensed locations in the vicinity of
long said: With the backing of legal succeed. With this coordinated and nicipalities to be given the regula- schools or houses of worship allegedly
authority behind us, our administra- sustained multi-agency enforcement, tory authority by the state to finally selling cannabis, THC edibles, THC
tion will act swiftly to combat illegal we will help usher in a thriving, safe, shut down illegal shops plaguing city vape, untaxed cigarettes, flavored
cannabis and smoke shop operators,” and just legal cannabis market that streets, New York City moved quick- tobacco, flavored vapes, or other to-
said Mayor Adams. “For too long, il- our city deserves while protecting our ly to execute its legal authority, and bacco products in the confines of the
legal operators have posed a threat city’s children, families, and vibrant will accelerate that execution in the NYPD’s eight borough commands.

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