Canastota Police raid two businesses suspected of illegal sale of cannabis

CANASTOTA, NY – The Canastota Police Department has announced the arrests of several individuals after a months-long investigation into the alleged illegal sale of cannabis in the Village of Canastota.

On March 20, 2024 members of the Canastota Police Department, City of Oneida Police Department, Madison County Department of Health, and Village of Canastota Codes Enforcement Office executed search warrants at two businesses in the Village of Canastota. Those businesses are the In N Out Deli on N. Main Street and S&P Convenience, also known as Ivy Smoke Line, on S. Peterboro Street.

Upon entering the premises the officers found large quantities of marijuana, flavored electronic cigarette (vape) liquid, and concentrated cannabis. Officers also found suspected THC candies and psychoactive-infused chocolate edibles, packaged to look like brand-name candy bars.

Officers removed several hundred packages of suspected illegal marijuana products, a large sum of cash, and drug-related sales paraphernalia such as scales and packaging materials.

Five individuals have been charged with the following offenses:

– Criminal sale of cannabis
– Criminal possession of cannabis
– Criminal possession of a controlled substance

All charges are misdemeanors. The businesses were also cited for numerous codes violations.

“We encourage small business in this community, but the sale of illegal substances to our youth will not be tolerated. We will continue to put pressure on places like this who want to illegally sell drugs in our community and to our children, and let them know that Canastota is not the place for this sort of business,” said Canastota Police Chief Sean Barton.

“We are grateful to Chief Barton and all of the officers who assisted with this investigation,” said Village of Canastota Mayor Rosanne Warner. “We thank the police for their diligent work to keep our community safe and illegal drugs out of the hands of our youth.”

The names of the individuals charged are not being released at this time, due to the continuing police investigation. Additional charges may be filed at a later date.

Photos courtesy Canastota Police Department