On October 8, officers from the 61st precinct of the Brooklyn Police Department, along with the New York City Sheriff’s Office, made a significant bust at a residential property across from a daycare center in Manhattan Beach. This operation uncovered an illegal marijuana cultivation and distribution center.
According to the police, the investigation began after receiving a report of a possible domestic dispute on Exeter Street. Upon arriving at the rental property, they discovered a large quantity of illegally grown marijuana. The authorities contacted the Sheriff’s Office, leading to the confiscation of 90 plants and 100 pounds of product. Sheriff Anthony Miranda noted that it was evident the location was being used as both a grow house and distribution center, with sales conducted entirely from within the residence. The suspects had set up industrial-grade lighting to support three rows of 30 plants, and the walls were lined with chemicals used for preparing and packaging marijuana. The officers also found a nursery, a refrigerator, and a dedicated processing area. Based on reliable information, it took the police an entire day to remove all marijuana products and plants from the property.
The precinct reported that there were no children found in the marijuana growing operation and that a man in his 30s has been arrested. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have ruled out the landlord’s involvement. Additionally, firefighters are required to inspect the premises to ensure safety.
Local residents expressed their surprise at the bust, emphasizing that the community has always felt safe and is home to many families. However, some did mention having previously detected the smell of marijuana in the area and were not entirely surprised by the news.
Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in New York, the state has been cautious in issuing sales licenses, resulting in a slower process. Following the launch of “Operation Padlock to Protect” in May of this year, authorities have been more aggressive in carrying out raids, ultimately shutting down about a quarter of the marijuana shops in the city and seizing four tons of illegal cannabis products.
