Police raided four Seneca Falls smoke shops Thursday, seizing illegal cannabis and weapons after a months-long investigation into sales to minors.
Mohamed Fahd Alsaidi, 20, of Saint Albans, and Muneer N. Abdillah, 31, of the Bronx, were arrested during the coordinated enforcement effort. Police say the shops were also selling unlicensed cannabis and vape products without state approval.
The targeted locations — Hemp Vibes, Dream Falls Convenience, Smokers N. Munch, and Rick’s VIP — were all shut down following the operation. According to officials, officers recovered more than 70 pounds of illicit cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, and edibles. One of the locations had an illegally modified firearm, and additional charges are expected.
“This sends a clear message that illegal cannabis sales won’t be tolerated here,” said Seneca Falls Police Chief Timothy A. Snyder. “We’re especially focused on protecting our kids from dangerous, unregulated products.”
Statewide crackdown
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) led the enforcement alongside the Seneca Falls Police Department, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, and the Waterloo Village Police Department. It’s part of a broader statewide crackdown on the illegal cannabis market.
So far in 2025, the OCM says it has conducted around 2,000 inspections and issued 488 sealing orders to shut down unlicensed businesses. Those actions have led to the seizure of more than 29,000 pounds of illegal cannabis, valued at over $125 million.
Officials say community complaints sparked the Seneca Falls investigation.
“Community voices are our greatest tool against the illicit market,” said Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of OCM. “When New Yorkers stand up, we act.”
OCM leaders say they want to protect both consumers and licensed cannabis retailers by ensuring only tested and regulated products make it to market. As of mid-August, 453 licensed dispensaries are operating across New York State.
Residents who suspect illegal cannabis activity can file a report at cannabis.ny.gov/report-an-incident.
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