The man who operates what the state describes as ‘unlicensed cannabis dispensaries’ in Cayuga and Wayne counties has been arrested.
David Tulley, 42, of Lyons was charged with one count of obstruction after impeding an investigation by the Office of Cannabis Management and Department of Taxation and Finance from performing their duties.
In an arrest report from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Tulley is said to have driven a vehicle through an area that was closed off by police. He then entered a structure that was part of the investigation and locked himself inside.
The sheriff’s office said Tulley did this as part of an effort to impede the state’s investigation.
The New York Office of Cannabis Management and Department of Taxation and Finance were leading the investigation, deputies added.
Meanwhile, The Citizen, who spoke with Tulley said he plans to fight the state on the matter. He had been sent cease-and-desist letters before the raids took place. They also reported previously that his locations were operating under the guise of being ‘marketing firms’.
Enforcement efforts across the state have skyrocketed in recent weeks. They have been targeting ‘sticker shops’, or businesses that assert to be one thing- and gift marijuana products to customers.
The state also increased the fines associated with unlicensed retail operation, from $500 to $7,500 per instance.
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