Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Two local smoke shops have been shut down following a lengthy investigation into suspected illegal cannabis sales, with authorities seizing more than $1.3 million worth of illegal cannabis products.

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management confirmed that Unique Smoke Shop on Lyell Avenue in Rochester and Mr. Starlight Smoke Shop on Chestnut Ridge Road in Chili were both ordered to close after enforcement teams uncovered evidence of unlicensed cannabis operations.

BACKGROUND: Illegal smoke shops shut down as OCM warns crackdown protects consumers and legal sellers

According to OCM, the investigation began earlier this year after receiving complaints from the public.

“We had some complaints in the beginning of this year, and I believe we had some prior to that as well,” said Daniel Haughney, OCM’s director of enforcement and investigations.

OCM said investigations into potential illegal operations generally start from complaints from the public, other law enforcement agencies and sources.

Once investigators responded to the businesses in questions earlier this year, Haughney said, “We had to turn it into a longer-term investigation to get proof they were selling cannabis illegally.”

On April 16, enforcement teams executed search warrants and conducted inspections at both retail locations, along with a shared storage facility. Investigators seized a wide range of illegal cannabis products, including cannabis flower, vape devices, edible products and pre-rolls.

Both businesses were issued notices of violation and ordered to cease operations immediately.

OCM officials emphasized that unlicensed cannabis products pose potential risks to consumers because they are not subject to state testing standards.

“There’s a public health and safety concern because products sold at illicit locations have not been tested to the standards of the state,” Haughney said. “You don’t know how they’re being processed.”

Authorities said illegal shops also undermine the legal cannabis market by avoiding taxes required under New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

“With illicit shops, they’re not collecting the taxes that are required,” Haughney said. “That money isn’t being reinvested into communities the way it is with licensed businesses.”

OCM added that operators of illegal shops are often from out of state, solely here to make money, then leave after being shut down by the state.

The agency said enforcement activity is ongoing in the Rochester region.

“I can tell you that we have been fairly active in the Rochester area,” Haughney said.

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OCM said the shop owners could face significant fines, and landlords are required to remove tenants involved in illegal cannabis operations.

Authorities stress that the businesses will not be allowed to reopen unless they can prove they are no longer engaged in illegal activity.

Members of the public can report suspected illegal cannabis operations through the state’s website at cannabis.ny.gov.