Although unlicensed marijuana shops were targeted in a multi-agency investigation law enforcement found pre-packaged psilocybin was also being sold at some of the store fronts.
BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week
CANTON — Seven unlicensed marijuana shops were raided by multiple law enforcement agencies that seized 66 grams of psilocybin, 27 pounds of cannabis concentrate, 63.2 pounds of cannabis, 18,386 vapes, six switchblade knives and $37,530 in cash Thursday, June 29.
In an operation titled ’Trip around the County’ shops in Oswegatchie, Potsdam, Massena, Canton and Gouverneur were investigated and the operation is still underway, according to officials.
St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe said the goal was not to eradicate marijuana use in the county, but rather stop the sale of illegal substances and drugs to minors.
”Illegal substances are in some of these products being sold in these establishments with no oversight. It will continue to endanger the citizens of St. Lawrence County and surrounding counties,” he said.
St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua doubled down on the sheriff’s statement at a press conference. in Canton Friday morning, June 30.
“This isn’t about, necessarily, just marijuana, and whether you agree or disagree with the law that was passed here in New York. This is about the totality of what was happening in the stores as the sheriff mentioned. This is about controlled substances and hallucinogens being sold in the stores. This is about them being sold to children in our communities. That is why this was so important,” he said.
“The stores were operating with no oversight, and selling basically to whoever they wanted to. And if you look at some of the products that you know, we have here on display, they’re almost marketed for
children. They look like candy. They look like things children should be buying.”
Pasqua said school officials and community leaders have raised concerns about the…
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