GREECE, NY — Greek police say a May investigation into the illegal sale of cannabis at the Red Eye Smoke Shop on West Ridge Road led to multiple arrests and the seizure of hundreds of pounds of cannabis and paraphernalia. THC base.

Detectives say they learned the smoke shop owners operated several other illegal cannabis operations. Greek police, working with federal and local partners, searched nine businesses, six homes and five vehicles in Greece, Irondequoit, Webster, Henrietta, Ogden and Rochester on Wednesday.

Seven people were arrested and charged with criminal possession of cannabis and conspiracy. Police say none of the businesses were licensed to sell cannabis.

In addition to cannabis and THC products, more than $1 million was also seized along with five vehicles. Police say more charges are pending.

“I would just say that this is a continuation of what we have been doing since 2022, when I first came here,” Greek Police Chief Michael Wood said Thursday. “In 2021, the City of Greece City Council chose not to proceed with legal sales of cannabis in the City of Greece – that was the decision made on December 21 by the legislature – and that decision remains. »

He added: “Businesses similar to these and other illicit businesses that have a reason not to report to the police, that stay away from the police – in many ways, if they are victims , are ripe for attack by hardened criminals. We’ve seen it time and time again. That’s how it happens. Over the years, I have witnessed many, many scenes where businesses engaged in illicit activities, drugs or otherwise, have been shot, murdered or otherwise. … We don’t want this to happen in Greece, period.

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