Mayor Eric Adams marked the one-year anniversary of “Operation Padlock to Protect” on Wednesday at Salsa Pizzeria in Queens — a new business that took over a formerly illegal smoke shop. Launched in May 2023, the initiative has shut down over 1,400 unlicensed cannabis shops across the five boroughs and seized more than $95 million in illegal products.
Adams called the program a turning point in the city’s fight against the surge of illegal dispensaries. “Last year, thousands of illegal smoke shops were endangering our children and communities. One year later, we’ve turned the tide,” he said.
The mayor outlined the next phase of the plan: working with landlords to reopen shuttered storefronts with legitimate businesses such as pizzerias, bakeries, retail shops, and tech incubators — all aimed at revitalizing commercial corridors.
Local leaders echoed the program’s impact. Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar praised the closures for removing crime magnets and giving legal businesses a chance to thrive. State Senator Leroy Comrie highlighted its role in strengthening Southeast Queens and restoring public safety.
Queens Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Grech recalled seeing clusters of illegal weed shops across from a tech incubator in Forest Hills. “It gave the city a black eye,” he said. “Now, we’re reclaiming our streets.”
Salsa Pizzeria co-owner Mike Bancale, whose team transformed a padlocked smoke shop into a top-ranked eatery, proudly hosted the event. “We’re honored to be part of this city’s comeback story,” he said.
Adams concluded with a mix of humor and hope: “Come to Mike’s — get some good pizza when you get the munchies from that good cannabis you smoked from a legal dispensary!”
The city now boasts 160 licensed cannabis retailers with sales topping $350 million last year — a sign, the mayor said, of “a safer, stronger, and more responsible New York.”