The NYPD released photos and video on Friday of suspects wanted for robbing several pot shops on the West Side, walking away with lots of cannabis, but no cash, police said.
Police are investigating the cannabis crime spree that started on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at approximately 9:30 p.m., when a group of six people came into Pure Green, located at 128 W. 72 St. on the Upper West Side. Collectively, the suspects demanded the victim, a 25-year-old male, open the shop’s display case. But impatiently, one of the perps broke the display case with an unknown blunt object, grabbed $1,750 worth of pot — all different varieties — before fleeing on W. 76 Street, law enforcement sources said.
The pot perps struck again two days later, when police received a report that at approximately 7:40 p.m., six individuals entered the Green Organic Market at 664 Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, forcibly grabbing a bunch of pot paraphernalia before fleeing into the 53rd Street subway station, law enforcement sources said.
Cops were able to apprehend one of the suspects, but the others fled to parts unknown, police said.
The cannabis crooks went back to the Upper West Side to hit Zookies, located at 447 Amsterdam Ave., on Monday, March 18, at approximately 9:03 p.m. The victim, a 22-year-old female, was standing behind the counter when three suspects forcibly removed five small bags of marijuana, police said. The suspects then fled the store, but immediately tried to come back in, according to police, but were unsuccessful because the victim locked the door.
One victim involved in the incidents sustained a small laceration due to broken glass when the perps destroyed a display case, police said, adding that he refused medical attention. No weapons were recovered at the scenes, and the investigation remains ongoing.
It is unclear if the pot shops involved in the incidents were set up as illegal dispensaries. Although New York legalized cannabis use in 2021, many illegal pot shops have popped up across the state. Late last year, the state seized more than $6 million from illegal marijuana dispensaries.
Anyone with any information regarding either incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish speakers, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at nypdcrimestoppers.com or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
