One local business is closed and another is “on notice” after a several-month-long investigation of improper sales of marijuana resulted in two unannounced inspections late last week.

In response to public complaints about sales of products to underage buyers, the Highland Falls Police Department opened an investigation into Top Shelf Smoke (274 Main St., Highland Falls) and West Point Smoke & Cigar (441 Main St.) earlier this summer.

Led by Detective Randell Bailey, to conclude the investigation, on July 30, the HFPD, with the assistance of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, New York State Department of Taxation and the Health Department of Orange County went on site at Top Shelf Smoke and West Point Smoke & Cigar.

HFPD Chief Jason Torpey made the announcement last week. He said that since the spring the HFPD has fielded several concerns from residents about possible underage sales. He added that there have been concerns expressed at recent Village Board meetings about the two shops.

While the HFPD was working on its own investigation, the chief learned that Orange County had started a task force to deal with the same issue all around the county. He immediately signed on.

Torpey said during last week’s raids, pursuant to New York State Cannabis Law, numerous quantities of cannabis products were seized.

“Top Shelf Smoke is now closed for business by order of the state, pending a hearing,” Torpey said. “West Point Smoke and Cigar was put on notice regarding illegal sales. Both establishments received numerous violations from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), NYS Taxation Department and the Orange County Department of Health.

Torpey said the HFPD “will continue to make the safety of its residents its priority and remain vigilant toward quality of life violations”.

Top Shelf received its first vape violation, and was issued a notice of violation with a fine of $300 by the OCDOH. The location was seized and padlocked by the OCM. The location was put on notice and tagged with a sticker in the window stating: Illegal cannabis seized here.

West Point Smoke & Cigar was given a second violation for underage sale of tobacco products, with a fine of $1750, a potential of two points on their license reported to New York State, and possible suspension of the store’s tobacco and lottery license. This was their second vape violation; 43 boxes of flavored vapes were found, and they were served a violation with a fine of $2400 from OCDOH. The location was put on notice and tagged with a sticker in the window stating: Illegal cannabis seized here.

At about the same time as the inspections here, others were happening in Orange County. This week, County Executive Neuhaus addressed the crackdown on unlawful distribution and sale of unlicensed cannabis products and other illegal narcotics in retail establishments around the county.

"There is nothing more valuable than our children and keeping them out of harm’s way,” Neuhaus said. “These illegal items are packaged to entice children and resemble candy. I, along with local and state agencies, want to increase awareness and will continue to take necessary actions to keep our communities safe.”

Initially, a multi-day operation was conducted identifying and targeting retail locations, spanning over a variety of towns and villages in the county, that were in fact selling these illegal products. The items ranged from cannabis and edibles, including gummies, chocolate bars containing psychoactive drugs, and flavored vapes — all of these pose a significant risk of landing in the hands of our youth and the public.

A total of nine retail establishments were inspected. In addition to the two Highland Falls locations, Tobacco House (69 Brookside Ave., Chester); an unnamed location at 3 Snoop St., Monroe; Beer World (151 Greenwich Ave., Goshen); Mobil Gas Station (400 Greenwich Ave., Goshen); Kosmic Korner (aka Smoker’s Heaven Outlet, Goshen); 94 Smokeshop & Snacks (2130 Rt. 94, Salisbury Mills); and Native Organics (400 Rt. 17M, Monroe) were all served with a variety of violations or closed.

Neuhaus thanked the local police departments, including the HFPD, for “their dedication and diligence toward taking necessary enforcement actions to keep our community safe.” Other agencies he lauded were Orange County Stop DWI, Orange County Department of Health, The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), New York State Tax and Finance, National Guard Counterdrug Program, Alcohol Drug and Awareness Council (ADAC), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the New York State Police Department.

ADAC Executive Director, Orange County James Conklin said, “This is an important message on how risk is reduced when you take availability away. Adults being aware of these situations is so important. It is not just about youth making bad decisions, but instead about adults getting informed to help our youth make the right decisions, thus creating an environment that is safe for all our young people.”

Torpey said that not only will the HFPD continue to “closely monitor” local businesses with regard to sales of items to children and cannibas products, but he’ll continue to work with the county’s task force. “Being a part of this group gave us more resources.” he said.