NEW CITY – An investigation into Rockland’s unlicensed smoke shops has netted four arrests and the seizure of $400,000 and 170 pounds of cannabis, authorities said Friday.
Authorities arrested the owner of five shops across Rockland and three of his employees on felony counts of criminal tax fraud.
Authorities raided various shops under the name Zava in Clarkstown, Orangetown, and Suffern, the Rockland District Attorney’s Office said Friday. The year-long investigation was done jointly with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, several New York state agencies, and local police.
The investigation marked the first major takedowns of unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in the Hudson Valley region, said Ivan J. Arvelo, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York.
“Today’s charges highlight the increased prevalence of illegal, unregulated smoke shops being opened throughout our state,” he said.
Investigation started because of reported sales to minors
The investigation started in 2023 with reports of stores selling cannabis to minors, Rockland District Attorney Thomas Walsh said in a news release.
Read more
