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Q&A

Majority Whip Hanks on Operation Padlock and illegal cannabis enforcement

New York City Council · Jun 9, 2026 · starts 0:42:02 · 1 min 1 sec

Hanks asks whether the new administration will continue Operation Padlock to Protect against illegal cannabis shops. Commissioner Lee says the city remains committed to enforcement against unlicensed cannabis sales, with the sheriff leading operations and new Sheriff Raymond reassessing the approach.

Kamillah Hanks

So I'm going to move on to Operation Padlock to protect.

Kamillah Hanks

So Operation Padlock to Protect was an initiative during the previous administration to lock up illegal marijuana shops on a large scale.

Kamillah Hanks

Will the new administration continue this operation or will it be altering its approach to illegal marijuana stores?

Richard Lee

Well, the city is committed right now to continuing the enforcement on unlicensed cannabis sales, and this is in order to support the legal industry's growth and to ensure that we're fighting against dangerous products that are sold in our communities.

Richard Lee

The sheriff will continue to lead these enforcement operations relating to all judiciary and civil law.

Richard Lee

We are undergoing a review of the operations across the entire sheriff's office and our new sheriff, Sheriff Raymond, will be reassessing sort of steps as we go forward.

Kamillah Hanks

Thank you so much.

Kamillah Hanks

It's good to see you.

Richard Lee

Good to see you too.

Kamillah Hanks

Thank you, Chair.

Linda Lee

Awesome.

Linda Lee

Councilmember Narcisse, followed by Wong.