13 Pounds Of Marijuana Seized In ‘Sweep’ Of Jersey City Shops: City

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Jersey City police and other agencies confiscated more than 13 pounds of marijuana in a sweep of smoke shops and other stores in town last Saturday, the city said.

Four people were arrested during the sweep, said a spokesperson.

Jersey City spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said the “targeted enforcement operation” on March 9 led to 14 summonses, city code violations, and confiscation of marijuana and thousands of untaxed tobacco products.

The agencies undertook the sweep after getting complaints from community members, the city said.

The police Quality of Life Unit launched investigations into illegal activity within salons, smoke shops, and barber shops, Wallace-Scalcione said.

“Anyone trying to circumvent the system and illegally sell products is not only breaking the law but also risking public safety while taking business away from legitimate establishments that comply with regulations,” said Mayor Steve Fulop.

This citywide effort is part of Jersey City’s broader crackdown on unlicensed cannabis dealers, illegal smoke shops, and other establishments operating outside the law, the city said.

Locations checked were, according to the city:

Locations Swept

734 West Side Ave. – “Chill Town Smoke Shop”

Nearly 9 pounds of marijuana and over 400 pieces of untaxed tobacco were confiscated, the city said. One arrest: Business owner Danial Wagner. Summonses: operating without a food license, unlicensed sale of flavored vapes, illegal operation of cannabis retail establishment, untaxed tobacco products.

743 West Side Ave. – “G Spot Smoke Shop”

Summons issued: Notice of violation for sale of flavored vapes

737 West Side Ave. – “Controversia Barbershop”

Summonses issued: Unsanitary conditions, dirty vanity drawers, no cover on waste containers

233 MLK Drive – “Maoze Smoke Shop”

One arrest: Abdourahim A. Nahwi. Summonses issued: Unlicensed smoke shop, animal on site, interference with health, sale of flavored vapes, sale of loose cigarettes, possession of untaxed goods, failure to maintain records, possession of over 2,000 cigarettes without NJ stamp (4th degree crime), and more.

305 MLK Drive – “Neighborhood Dollar Store”

Approximately 4 pounds of marijuana recovered. The unlicensed business was shut down, the city said. Arrests: business owner Alquan Scott, store employee Hassan Holland. Summonses issued: Unlicensed smoke shop, illegal retail of cannabis.

During the sweep, each location was given the paperwork to obtain the legal licenses required to operate, the city said.