Notorious Pot Shop Shuttered

By Michael V. Cusenza

An area pol, police, and the people worked together to help permanently shutter an illegal pot shop in Richmond Hill that was the site of a recent murder, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) announced on Friday.

Addabbo noted that his district office received many complaints about the Plug Smoke Shop, located at 109-27 Jamaica Ave., which was selling unlicensed cannabis and marijuana-related products. Addabbo said he believes that by working with the 102nd Precinct and community leaders, the illegal business was closed by court order on June 7.

However, Addabbo learned from constituents at last month’s Richmond Hill Block Association meeting that the shop had illegally re-opened. Once again, the senator said his office worked with the 102nd Precinct to get the Plug pulled permanently and its owner arrested.

Addabbo also noted that he has a sta member dedicated to addressing the scourge of illegal pot shops in the 15th District.

In March, Plug employee Daryus Clarke, 20, was shot and killed as three armed men robbed the business.

“These illegal pot sellers have no business in our community, and it takes a team effort to address this pervasive problem,” Addabbo added. “The Plug Smoke Shop was not only operating illegally, but a fatal shooting also took place there this year. It needed to go, and now thanks to our diligent efforts, hopefully it’s gone for good. I remain diligent and optimistic that with the credible efforts of the NYPD and community residents, other illegal pot shops can experience the same fate and be closed for ever.”