JERSEY CITY, NJ – The Jersey City Quality of Life Task Force, in coordination with municipal, county, and state agencies, conducted a targeted enforcement operation on Saturday, March 9, leading to four arrests, 14 summonses issued, multiple city code violations, and the confiscation of over 13 pounds of marijuana and thousands of untaxed tobacco products.
Following complaints from community members, the JCPD Quality of Life Unit launched investigations into illegal activity within multiple establishments violating permitting and licensing laws. The sweep included site visits to salons, smoke shops, and barbershops.
“Anyone trying to circumvent the system and illegally sell products is not only breaking the law but also risking public safety while taking business away from legitimate establishments that comply with regulations,” said Mayor Steven Fulop.
This citywide effort is part of Jersey City’s broader crackdown on unlicensed cannabis dealers, illegal smoke shops, and other establishments operating outside the law. The city remains committed to upholding regulations that protect residents and support legitimate businesses, a statement said.
The successful operation was led by the Jersey City Police Department, working in conjunction with state, county, and Jersey City agencies, including:
Code Compliance
Health and Human Services
Building
Zoning
Municipal Prosecutor’s Office
Office of Emergency Management
The QOL Task Force targeted establishments that were identified as “problematic” following numerous complaints from community members that the multi-departmental Quality of Life Unit then investigated. The locations were as follows:
734 West Side Avenue – “Chill Town Smoke Shop”
The unlicensed smoke shop was shut down.
Nearly 9 pounds of marijuana and over 400 pieces of untaxed tobacco were confiscated.
One arrest:
Business owner Danial Wagner
Summonses issued:
Operating without a food license
Unlicensed sale of flavored vapes
Illegal operation of cannabis retail establishment
Untaxed tobacco products
743 West Side Avenue- “G Spot Smoke Shop”
Summons issued:
Notice of violation for sale of flavored vapes
737 West Side Avenue – “Controversia Barbershop”
Summonses issued:
Unsanitary conditions
Dirty vanity drawers
No cover on waste containers
233 MLK Drive – “Maoze Smoke Shop”
One arrest:
Abdourahim A. Nahwi
Summonses issued:
Unlicensed smoke shop (x2)
Animal on site (x2)
Interference with health (x2)
Sale of flavored vapes
Sale of loose cigarettes
Possession of untaxed goods
Failure to maintain records
Failure to pay tax on tobacco products
Possession of over 2000 cigarettes without NJ Stamp (4th degree crime)
Failure to properly register with the Division of Taxation
Failure to display business registration
305 MLK Drive – “Neighborhood Dollar Store”
Approximately 4 pounds of marijuana were recovered.
The unlicensed business was shut down.
Two arrests:
Business owner Alquan Scott
Store employee Hassan Holland had an active warrant out of Jersey City.
Summonses issued:
Unlicensed smoke shop
Illegal retail of cannabis
During the sweep, each location was provided with the necessary paperwork to obtain the legal licenses required to operate.
H/T: www.tapinto.net
