Bronx, NY – A massive drug enforcement operation in the Bronx has led to the seizure of over $5 million in unlicensed cannabis products and the arrest of 11 individuals linked to an illegal marijuana distribution operation.
Illegal Operation Busted on Timpson Place
Authorities raided a residence at 522 Timpson Place, uncovering what officials described as a fully functioning illegal cannabis business. The New York City Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with other public safety agencies, executed the raid on Thursday, leading to a major takedown.
According to NYC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry, the location was being used to distribute approximately 2,000 pounds of cannabis products, most of which were unregulated and untested. He warned of the health risks associated with unlicensed marijuana:
“Unlicensed cannabis operations like this pose a significant health risk… potentially selling unregulated and untested product that can make people sick and also cause overdoses.”
11 Suspects Arrested, All with Criminal Histories
A total of 11 individuals, aged between 22 and 65, were taken into custody. Officials confirmed that the group collectively had 21 prior arrests, including one suspect with nine previous charges and a murder conviction. Charges in this case are expected to include illegal possession, distribution, and firearms violations as per ABC7NY.
Among the items seized were:
- 2,000 lbs of cannabis products
- $20,000 in cash
- 1 illegal firearm
Second Raid at the Same Location
Officials revealed this was not the first time the property had been under investigation. Back in July 2024, the same residence was involved in another raid, where $2 million worth of illegal cannabis was confiscated. Despite authorities shutting the operation down at that time, the business resurfaced at the same address, prompting renewed scrutiny.
NYC Sheriff Anthony Miranda commented on the persistent nature of the operation:
“The location was closed for some time, they came back. This is an ongoing investigation into the ownership and who allowed them to be here.”
Sophisticated Setup in Residential Home
Eyewitness video footage revealed a sophisticated marijuana marketplace inside the home. Neighbors confirmed high levels of activity:
“This thing looks like 42nd Street. It’s like Grand Central Station,” said resident Gregory Ayala.
Investigators suspect the business had previously operated elsewhere and was developing an e-commerce arm before returning to the Timpson Place address. The building has since been condemned by inspectors.
City Officials Pledge Continued Enforcement
Daughtry emphasized the city’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal cannabis sales, vowing to continue shutting down any unlicensed operations that attempt to reopen:
“If they open back up again and they’re doing illegal stuff again then we’re going to keep shutting them down.”
Ongoing Investigation
This bust is part of a larger crackdown on unlicensed marijuana sales in New York City, where officials are attempting to curb a surge in underground cannabis markets that pose threats to both public safety and the legal recreational market.
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