PLATTSBURGH, New York (WWNY) – Federal agents seized illegal drugs, guns and cash in Massena and Hogansburg during raids dubbed “Operation Weed Out” this week.
Standing in front of several trucks filled with seized property, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Plattsburgh held a news conference Thursday morning.
Three Massena businesses shut down
On Wednesday, Drug Enforcement Administration agents shut down three businesses in Massena, saying they were illegally selling marijuana and other items.
Officials said the following shops were selling marijuana and marijuana products without a state license:
Uncle Crandy’sVape Bank/All the Smoke Massena, formerly known as 1 Willow Cannabis Co.Famous A’sProhibited products allegedly sold
Each dispensary also allegedly sold products prohibited by New York law.
According to officials, Famous A’s sold THC products that look like candy bars, Uncle Crandy’s sold THC gummies advertised as containing more than 10 times the limit, and Vape Bank/All the Smoke Massena sold marijuana products with cartoon labels.
Uncle Crandy’s and Famous A’s allegedly distributed marijuana to an underage law enforcement officer.
Federal warning to criminals
“Let this operation serve as a warning to anyone who believes they can exploit this region for criminal activity. The full resources of the federal government, working alongside our state and local partners, are now aligned, coordinated, and committed to shutting down these illegal operations,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III.
Sarcone said the case was a result of an “unprecedented” collaboration between agencies in which the Massena Police Department and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office gathered intelligence and shared it with federal law enforcement agencies.
“To the criminals who believe this border region is open for business, we are coming for your operations, your profits and your networks,” he said.
Hogansburg raids yield drugs, weapons
Officials said agents also raided three homes and a warehouse in Hogansburg.
“This operation resulted in the seizure of over 1000 pounds of marijuana, marijuana plants, and pre-packaged THC, THC-related products, and 40 pounds of suspected Methamphetamine. In addition, we recovered and removed 20 illegal firearms, including an AK-47, five AR-15s and several firearms equipped with extended magazines,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam.
She also said a substantial amount of cash, believed to be proceeds from illegal activity, was seized.
Mayor happy
Massena Mayor Greg Paquin is happy with the cooperation between village police and the feds.
“To see the federal authorities step in and get illegal guns and illegal drugs off the street, still plenty more to go, I’m sure, but at least it’s a sign that they’re willing to help us out,” he said.
Copyright 2026 WWNY. All rights reserved.