MASSENA, N.Y. (WCAX) – Illegal guns, cannabis, and other drugs were seized Wednesday in a St. Lawrence County raid that targeted illegal dispensaries, federal authorities say.

“Let this operation serve as a warning to anyone who believes they can exploit this region for criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney John Sarcone.

He says truckloads of guns, cash, and drugs were seized in the Massena area by federal, state, and local law enforcement.

“Operation Weed Out was a coordinated law enforcement effort that resulted in the successful take down of three illegal marijuana dispensaries operating in the Massena community and trafficking unlawful drugs and contraband into the neighborhoods,” Sarcone said.

Investigators say the operation focused on three businesses in Massena: Uncle Crandy’s, Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena, and Famous A’s. Law enforcement says they were selling cannabis and THC products without a state license. Some of the products were more than 10 times the legal THC limit and sold to minors.

The businesses, as well as three houses and a warehouse in Hogansburg, a hamlet on the Akwesasne Reservation, were forfeited.

“This operation resulted in the removal of over 1,000 pounds of marijuana, marijuana plants, and pre-packaged THC-related products and 40 pounds of methamphetamine,” said the DEA’s Farhana Islam.

Law enforcement officials say tribal police were aware of the bust but did not participate. The operation included 10 deputies from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office. “The team had a very intricate part in the search itself to be able to assist and be able to assist and recovering an awful lot of the evidence you see behind me,” said Clinton County Sheriff Dave Favro.

Investigators did not disclose how many people were arrested or what specific charges they will face. They say the investigation is ongoing.