More Than $8M Seized In Illegal NYC Pot Shop Crackdowns: Cops

NEW YORK CITY — Recreational marijuana may be legal, but that doesn't mean New York City is out of the cannabis crackdown business.

More than $8 million of merchandise has been seized from unlicensed pot shops, said Sheriff Anthony Miranda during a public safety briefing Friday.

Inspections increased 129 percent and criminal summonses rose 171 percent since a taskforce began in November, he said.

"There are only three legal cannabis locations that have been operational so far in the city," he said. "Anybody else operating is illegal or unlicensed."

The cannabis crackdown numbers came amid what City Hall officials said would be the first of regular public safety briefings led by Deputy Mayor Phil Banks.

Other law enforcement and public safety officials spoke during the briefing about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and the rise of subway surfing.

The update on the cannabis crackdowns could give a picture of how New York City transitions from a city with a widespread, but still illegal, marijuana marketplace to a regulated legal one.

Authorities estimate roughly 1,400 "illegal" pot shops are running within the city.

Miranda said they've increasing become the targets of crime. Many such store owners and employees now have illegal firearms to protect themselves, he said.

Beyond that, he said the products sold are unregulated and potentially unsafe.

"The unregulated business presents a certain health hazard to all of our communities," said Sheriff Anthony Miranda