On August 14, 2025, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), in partnership with the Seneca Falls Police Department, the Waterloo Village Police Department, and the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, executed four search warrants at businesses suspected of illegally selling cannabis without a New York State license.
(Photo credit: GETTY Images).
On the basis of complaints by local residents, the Office took decisive action against these unlicensed operators who fostered and wantonly contributed to illegal activity in the community.
“Community voices are our greatest tool against the illicit market,” said Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. “When New Yorkers stand up, we act by shutting down illegal operators that drain resources, threaten public health, and undercut local businesses. Together, with our fellow New Yorkers, we’re building toward the safety and integrity of our State’s cannabis industry.”
The enforcement action took place at:
· Hemp Vibes – 963 Route 5 & 20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
· Dream Falls Convenience – 82 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
· Smokers N. Munch – 25 Bridge Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13138
· Rick’s VIP – 2109 Route 5 & 20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
The operation led to the seizure of significant quantities of illegal cannabis products, including:
· 20.20 pounds of cannabis flower
· 44.30 pounds of concentrate
· 6.60 pounds of edibles packages
Law enforcement also confiscated several weapons, including an illegally modified firearm. Photos of the seizure and shuttered locations can be found here.
“Through a coordinated effort, OCM assisted the Seneca Falls Police Department in executing a search alongside the Waterloo Village Police Department and the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office. Product seizures and shutting down illicit cannabis stores demonstrates our commitment to enforcing the law and keeping untested, illegal cannabis off the shelves,” said Daniel Haughney, Director of Enforcement and Investigations for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. “By continuing to collaborate with law enforcement in Seneca Falls and across New York, we’re ensuring that no illegal cannabis shops will be allowed to operate as we work to shut down the illicit market.”
“These coordinated operations send a clear message that unlicensed and illegal cannabis sales will not be tolerated in our community,” said Chief of Police Timothy A. Snyder, Seneca Falls Police Department. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the Office of Cannabis Management to ensure businesses operate within the law and that our residents and our children are protected from the dangers associated with unregulated products.”
To date, The OCM has executed nearly 500 enforcement actions across New York State in 2025 alone. Since being granted authority to seal unlicensed cannabis businesses, OCM has issued 488 sealing orders and conducted approximately 2,000 inspections. These actions have resulted in the seizure of over 29,000 pounds of illicit cannabis, with a street value of more than $125 million.
The OCM continues to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies statewide to enforce cannabis regulations and advance community safety. With 453 licensed dispensaries now open across New York State, consumers are encouraged to purchase legal, safer, and tested cannabis products for responsible consumption. For more information and educational resources about cannabis, visit the OCM’s Cannabis Education Library at cannabis.ny.gov/education.
To file a complaint or report illicit cannabis activity, visit the OCM’s Report an Incident page at: https://cannabis.ny.gov/report-an-incident
For more information on the regulated cannabis market in New York, visit cannabis.ny.gov.
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