Sheriff's office outlines inspections, says deceptive THC products target youth in Queens

Michael Carlier, director of community boards, opened a Queens Borough board briefing on enforcement of illegal cannabis shops and introduced New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda and Lieutenant Francesca Rosa of the sheriff investigations unit.

"The information that we receive from the community every day makes this possible," Sheriff Anthony Miranda said, thanking community board members and emphasizing that tips from residents enable enforcement and investigations.

Lieutenant Francesca Rosa, commanding officer of the sheriff investigations unit, gave an overview of the office's role and enforcement work across the five boroughs and described the task force that leads smoke-shop inspections alongside the NYPD and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. "We've completed over 6,000 inspections, and we've sealed over 1,600 locations citywide," Rosa said, adding that 331 locations in Queens had been sealed and that the office had issued about $46,000,000 in civil penalties citywide and removed roughly $35,000,000 in illicit product from Queens streets.

Rosa described how many unlicensed shops hide THC products in packaging that mimics mainstream snacks and candy, saying some items are "marketed to kids" and noting elaborate concealment tactics such as trapdoors and hidden compartments. She warned inspection teams often find other narcotics and weapons in those locations.

Community board members pressed for practical follow-up steps. Michael Hannibal (Community Board 8) and others asked how residents can tell whether a location is licensed; Rosa said legal operators display a green emblem with a QR code and that the state's Office of Cannabis Management website can be used to verify licensed addresses. She also provided reporting options: 311, the sheriff's office, or smokeshopcomplaints@sheriff.nyc.gov, and said the sheriff's office will present its slide deck to community boards after the meeting.

On penalties, Joe Sweeney (Community Board 7) noted the public-health implications of candy-like products and asked whether enforcement is criminal. Rosa said enforcement is "predominantly" civil unless prosecutors have evidence supporting criminal charges; administrative hearings at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings determine penalties. She discussed limits on collection when corporations close and re-form under new corporate names, saying that civil penalties are not always fully collectible.

Attendees raised concerns about response times and follow-up. Rosa said the smokeshopcomplaints email is monitored and inspections typically occur within about two weeks when the complaint provides sufficient detail; 311 reports generate a direct response to the reporting person. She said community boards that provide specific addresses and photos help the office target inspections more rapidly.

On statutory issues, Rosa told the boards that changes in state law (discussed in the briefing as shifts in how weight is measured) have complicated criminal prosecutions and that legislative review may be needed to address enforcement gaps; she also reiterated that the legal possession amount for individuals is 3 ounces. Rosa and others noted proximity rules and licensing conditions can be checked through state resources.

The briefing closed with Carlier thanking the sheriff's office and Borough Hall staff; the next borough board meeting was announced for Monday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m.

The sheriff's office asked community members to submit detailed complaints (exact addresses, photos) to help target inspections and to reach out to elected officials if they need additional follow-up.