A significant cannabis bust occurred in Queens on Tuesday night, with law enforcement seizing $10 million worth of marijuana from a warehouse. The NYC Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the NYPD, executed a search warrant at 88-10 Little Neck Pkwy in the Bellerose area.

Authorities have ramped up efforts to target illegal smoke shops, citing public safety concerns. Detective Sgt. Veronica Robels of the NYC Sheriff’s Office emphasized that many of the products are disturbingly marketed towards children, with packaging mimicking popular candy brands like Skittles. “These vibrant, colorful packages catch the eye, especially of children, who may mistake them for familiar sweets,” Robels said.

The warehouse, situated among local businesses, was concealed in plain sight, according to Robels, who added that officials are actively investigating similar locations across New York City. “We’re focused on warehouses in the area and will continue to seize any illegal products we find,” she said.