NYC police seized narcotics worth around $10 million in a major drug bust. That's not all they found.
NEW YORK -- Nearly $10 million worth of narcotics were seized in the Bronx in what the NYPD said was its most significant drug bust to date involving illegal cannabis products.
Police said they were investigating community complaints about illegal marijuana sales on Timpson Place in the Mott Haven section overnight Saturday when they discovered the illegal drug operation.
Some drugs were packaged as candy, police say
Mayor Eric Adams was on the scene with the New York City Sheriff's Office and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
Officials said the unregulated and dangerous products, some packaged as candies and chocolates, were being distributed throughout the community.
"We found, obviously, flower, the cannabis flower. We found pre-rolls, but we also have found mushroom hallucinogens, candies, chocolates, kids packaging. Everything that you can think of in terms of what the illicit, illegal market is distributing to our committees, we found at this location. This location takes almost more than a half a block in terms of the volume and space that it has back there. It has a social club, it has a usage place, packaging, distribution, everything is coming out of just one location," said New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda.
Four people were arrested in connection to the drug bust, according to Fabien Levy, Adams' deputy mayor for communications.
Neighbors sensed something was up for years
Neighbors say it has been two years since they first noticed suspicious activity out of the building along Timpson Place.
"You could see the packages of smoking and things that we never used to see before, so that was a concern," Aileen Rivera said.
"When I would walk my dog in the morning, the line would start around 7 o'clock. Going all the way down the block the cars are double parked. The kids can't get to school," a woman named Sandy said.
That woman lives next door and shared photos of police on the roof of the building on Saturday. Police said they were investigating community complaints about illegal marijuana sales on the block when they discovered the drug operation.
"I know the people on the second and the third floor called 311 and made numerous complaints about the noise and the traffic. I'm happy to see them go," Sandy said.
Residents said they are relieved to see the shutdown and hope similar operations don't pop up.
"It's good that it's gone so let's keep it out. Hopefully, we'll have our block back," Norma Otero said.
A citywide drug enforcement operation
The Timpson Place drug bust was the latest in a citywide enforcement initiative called Operation Padlock to Protect.
Last week in the Bronx, city officials said they seized cannabis products worth an estimated $1 million. The investigation along East Tremont Avenue led to the seizure of 176 pounds of cannabis flower, less than one pound of THC vape products and edibles. A warehouse was also discovered nearby, investigators said.
The NYPD has encouraged New Yorkers to submit complaints if they become aware of suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Investigators said they rely on the community to crack down on the problem.
More drug busts are expected in the coming week, Levy told CBS New York.