Federal and local law enforcement agencies collaborated to shut down three unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in Massena, New York, seizing significant quantities of drugs, illegal firearms, and cash.
The operation, dubbed "Operation Weed-Out," targeted Uncle Crandy’s, Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena (formerly 1 Willow Cannabis Co.), and Famous A’s. DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam said the operation resulted in the seizure of over 1,000 lbs. of marijuana and THC-related products, 40 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and approximately 20 illegal firearms, including assault-style weapons and those equipped with extended magazines.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III emphasized the improved collaboration between federal and local partners, stating, "This operation is a shining example of that collaboration." He added, "Let this operation serve as a warning to anyone who believes they can exploit this region for criminal activity: the full resources of the federal government, working alongside our state and local partners, are now aligned, coordinated, and committed to shutting these operations down." FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli highlighted the "incredible partnerships" and "impactful results" that undoubtedly make communities safer.
Civil forfeiture complaints filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York allege the dispensaries operated without necessary state licenses and sold prohibited products. Examples include Famous A’s selling THC products resembling candy bars, Uncle Crandy’s offering THC gummies advertised as containing more than 10 times the legal limit, and Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena selling marijuana products with cartoon labels. Uncle Crandy’s and Famous A’s also allegedly distributed marijuana to an underage law enforcement officer. IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. said their team worked closely across agencies to trace financial flows, disrupting the profit incentives driving such conduct.
St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle praised the collaboration for helping keep the community safe, especially its youth, while Clinton County Sheriff David Favro noted the "strong interagency partnerships" led to a "much safer community." The case is being investigated by the DEA, FBI, HSI, IRS-CI, Massena Police Department, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and Plattsburgh City Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Brown handling the civil forfeiture.