One year after launching a sweeping crackdown on unlicensed cannabis sales, New York City Mayor Eric Adams celebrated major progress under Operation Padlock to Protect, an initiative that has shuttered nearly 1,400 illegal smoke shops and seized over $95 million worth of illicit products since May 2024.

As the city marks this milestone, Adams unveiled a new plan to convert sealed storefronts into legal cannabis dispensaries or other small businesses, further strengthening the city’s economic recovery.

“This time last year, there were thousands of illegal smoke shops plaguing our city with unlicensed cannabis endangering our children. One year later, we are proud to announce that we have turned the tide,” said Mayor Adams at a press briefing.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts by our city’s law enforcement officers, we’ve padlocked thousands of illegal shops and created safer streets for children and families.”

“But we’re not stopping there,” Adams added.

“The next step of our plan is to work with property owners to safely and legally re-open their vacant storefronts, replacing illegal smoke shops with pizzerias, bakeries, barber shops, retail stores, and other legal establishments. These businesses will help revitalize neighborhoods and help grow our record number of small businesses even higher.”

Launched in the wake of legislation empowering city authorities to close down illegal cannabis sellers, Operation Padlock to Protect has been led by the New York City Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Teams have conducted coordinated inspections and follow-ups across all five boroughs, padlocking illicit vendors and monitoring compliance through local precincts.

“Thanks to Mayor Adams and our administration, ‘Operation Padlock to Protect’ has removed millions of dangerous, illegal cannabis products from our neighborhoods and from the hands of the youth of our communities,” said NYC Sheriff Anthony Miranda.

“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and fellow agencies to padlock illegal smoke shops, monitor storefronts as they are unsealed, and ensure that illegal smoke shops remain out of business.”

As the city begins the unsealing process, property owners will be guided through re-opening procedures, either as licensed dispensaries or alternate businesses. Notices will be issued by the Department of Finance, providing owners with secure codes and contact details for appointments.

“As previously padlocked storefronts are unsealed, SBS is excited to help fill them with new small businesses across all industries, including legal cannabis,” said SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross.

“‘Operation Padlock to Protect’ has not only been a success for public safety, but for the legal small businesses that will fill these storefronts and for the legitimate cannabis industry.”

Gross noted that with 160 licensed dispensaries now open, the city has delivered over 1,400 consultations and disbursed more than $500,000 through the Cannabis NYC Loan Fund. The initiative has also reached more than 6,000 residents through its five-borough outreach tour, while 200 aspiring entrepreneurs have joined its FastTrac for Cannabis Entrepreneurs sessions.

State lawmakers praised the effort as a turning point for public safety and local commerce.

“I was proud to lead the fight against illegal smoke shops by passing the SMOKEOUT Act last year,” said Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “In a year, they shuttered 1,400 shops that were attracting crime, selling to children, and sapping revenue from legal dispensaries.”

“‘Operation Padlock to Protect’ is helping restore order and opportunity to our commercial corridors,” added State Senator Leroy Comrie. “I look forward to seeing these facilities become vibrant spaces that serve local needs and uplift neighborhood economies.”

Local prosecutors echoed these sentiments, pointing to the campaign’s success in curbing illicit activity and restoring community confidence.

“The unfettered proliferation of illegal smoke shops… created a serious quality of life, public safety, and public health crisis,” said Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon. “We thank our partners in City Hall and in law enforcement for addressing this critical public safety and quality of life crisis.”

Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez added, “Brooklyn residents deserve safe streets and vibrant business districts, and we will continue to collaborate with our partners to deliver both.”

With illegal cannabis shops now facing sustained enforcement, city officials are turning toward building a robust, equitable legal market. The Cannabis NYC Loan Fund — managed by Tuatara Capital — offers Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees up to $100,000 in flexible, low-barrier loans.

“Illegal smoke shops have not only undermined our legal cannabis market, but they’ve also posed a serious threat to public safety and quality of life in our communities,” said Councilmember Kamillah Hanks. “This effort is helping to restore order, support legitimate small business growth, and bring vitality back to our vacant commercial corridors.”