Collaboration Between Federal and Local Law Enforcement Leads to Seizures of Drugs, Guns and Money

PLATTSBURG, NEW YORK - Three unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in Massena, New York were closed yesterday after an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration after receiving information from law enforcement in Massena. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam, FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli, HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry Chavis, USBP Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia, St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua, St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle , Clinton County Sheriff Dave Favro, Massena Police Chief Cody Wilson, Plattsburgh Police Chief Jarrod Trombley.

"Since appointed to lead this office, it has been my priority to improve collaboration between federal partners and local law enforcement." Said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. "This operation is a shining example of that collaboration. 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."

"Yesterday, with the assistance our law enforcement partners, the DEA New York Enforcement Division conducted an operation which targeted three illegal and unlicensed marijuana dispensaries and numerous locations in upstate New York along the Northern Border" stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. "This operation resulted in the seizure of over 1000 lbs. of marijuana and THC related products, 40 pounds of suspected Methamphetamine, and approximately 20 illegal firearms, including assault style weapons and firearms equipped with extended magazines. Thanks to the strong partnership between the DEA and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are securing our northern border, dismantling illegal operations, and holding accountable those responsible for flooding our neighborhoods with illicit drugs and violence."

The success of Operation Weed Out demonstrates the incredible partnerships at every level of law enforcement on the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). When we leverage our resources, we're able to deliver impactful results like this seizure, that undoubtedly make our communities safer. The North Country communities should know this collective team is laser focused on finding the individuals responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs and weapons on our streets and ensuring they are brought to justice.

Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York Harry T. Chavis, Jr. Stated: "We remain committed to ensuring that every business operating in this district follows the law and puts community safety first. These unlicensed dispensaries chose profit over public health, and our team worked closely across agencies to trace the financial flows behind their illegal operations. By following the money, we are able to disrupt the profit incentives that drive this conduct and make clear that such schemes will not be tolerated,"

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle Stated: "This was a great law enforcement collaboration with our federal and local partners to help keep our community safe, especially the youth of the community. This collaboration ensures that illegal marijuana shops don't continue to operate in our county."
"This case is a perfect example demonstrating the impact of strong interagency partnerships. The multi-agency members Safely executed a well-designed plan after an in-depth methodical investigation resulting in a much safer community." Said Clinton County Sheriff David Favro

According to civil forfeiture complaints filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Uncle Crandy's, Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena, formerly known as 1 Willow Cannabis Co., and Famous A's were distributing marijuana and marijuana products without obtaining the necessary licenses from the State of New York. Each dispensary also allegedly sold products prohibited by New York State law. For instance, Famous A's sold THC products that look like candy bars; Uncle Crandy's sold THC gummies advertised as containing more than 10 times the limit; and Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena, formerly known as 1 Willow Cannabis Co. Bank, sold marijuana products with cartoon labels. Uncle Crandy's and Famous A's also allegedly distributed marijuana to an underage law enforcement officer.

The DEA, FBI, HSI, IRS-CI, Massena Police Department, St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, and Plattsburgh City Police Department are investigating the case with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Brown is handling the civil forfeiture.