Pot shops hope to thrive in South Queens As police crack down on illegal stores, weed license hopefuls share their plans

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

After just a few months of business, Howard Puff Convenience, located at 159-55 102 St. in Old Howard Beach, was raided by police on Monday morning.

The incident resulted in two arrests, including that of the operator, and an estimated $181,200 in penalties, according to a report from the Sheriff’s Office

Law enforcement seized untaxed cigarettes, packages of other tobacco products, flavored vape products, THC vapes, packages of THC “flower” — loose marijuana — weighing a total of 8.66 pounds, THC pre-rolls weighing a total of 4.53 pounds and packages of THC edibles weighing a total of 43.76 pounds, the report said.

“After a long effort, including me being personally involved in a sting operation, law enforcement has taken action against the Howard Puff convenience store,” Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) wrote on Facebook. “We cannot allow unlicensed, illegal cannabis retailers to come into our neighborhoods and peddle their products to our children.”

On different posts, including one by Howard Beach resident PJ Marcel notifying his neighbors of the situation, other residents lamented the sting, saying that the owner is knowledgeable and kind.

Hours later, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) announced that Magic Pack smoke shop, at 84-17 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven also had been raided.

According to Addabbo’s office — which sits across the street — there were two notices of violations, with 10 violations and 67 counts of violations, bearing an estimated $56,700 in penalties.

The NYC Sheriff’s Joint Compliance Task Force said the following items were seized: flavored vape products, THC vapes, packages of THC flower weighing a total of 4.45 pounds, THC pre-rolls weighing a total of 1.8 pounds and packages of THC edibles weighing a total of 29.1 pounds.

The next steps involve a court date for the operator, Addabbo’s office said; at that point it will be determined whether the location will remain open. Until then, the business can operate.

Those who partake likely are not worried about losing access to THC for very long, however, as the incidents come as two applicants seek licensed dispensaries in South Queens: one at 94-24 Liberty Ave. in Ozone Park, the other at 135-35 Lefferts Blvd. in South Ozone Park.

The locations were discussed at length at Community Board 10’s public hearing last Tuesday with representatives from the shops.

“Our purpose tonight is to provide information regarding the locations ... So that’s where we’re at,” Chairperson Betty Braton told attendees.

Michael Elias, the owner of the building on Liberty Avenue, said that all product sold will be inspected and certified.

Of the shop, he said, “We’ll keep it as secure as possible.” He plans to have security guards on the premises at all times, and IDs will be checked upon entry into the business, with validation measures to combat fake

IDs. Product will be stored behind safety glass, accessible to employees only.

“We’ll keep the dispensary low key with regards to signs, lights, things like that,” he said. “... Hopefully we’ll put a lot of the illegal smoke shops in the area out of business, who will sell just about anything to anybody.”

Roberto Cotto shared his vision for the Lefferts Boulevard dispensary, saying he wished to create a “safe and welcoming space for both medical patients and adult-use consumers.”

He said the shop would place a value on education, community engagement and responsible use.

In addition to robust security measures, the store plans to offer workshops and seminars on medical benefits, harm reduction and responsible dosing, as well as education on strains, consumption and effects.

“Right now, they are at the beginning of the process of obtaining the license from the state,” Braton said to attendees, reminding everyone that the application process is still in the early stages for both locations. Q