WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA), in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), shut down four unlicensed cannabis businesses last week, citing illegal sales and threats to public safety. The closures bring the total number of padlocked shops to 66 since the city’s crackdown began nearly a year ago.
Minnesota Food Mart
Located at 3728 Minnesota Ave NE, Minnesota Food Mart was closed after officers seized seven ounces of cannabis and 542 grams of mushroom edibles. Two men — Riaz Hussain, 29, and Muhammed Sarker, 28, both of D.C. — were arrested and charged with drug distribution offenses.
The store also held an Off-Premises Retailer Class A alcohol license, which has been suspended. A hearing on the suspension is scheduled for August 13.
J&D Market
At 2201 Minnesota Ave NE, J&D Market was shut down after less than an ounce of cannabis was found on the premises. While no arrests were reported at this location, ABCA said the closure was necessary due to the store’s lack of licensing and potential public safety concerns.
Presidential Flightz
Authorities seized a substantial quantity of illegal products from Presidential Flightz, located at 2407 18th St NW. The haul included 14 ounces of cannabis, 210 grams of mushroom edibles, 272 grams of THC wax, and small amounts of THC edibles.
Owner Fadhl Deen, 34, of D.C., was arrested and faces multiple drug distribution charges.
Penn Smoke Shop
The most serious criminal findings came from Penn Smoke Shop at 2324-B Pennsylvania Ave SE, where police discovered 1.8 grams of crack cocaine, methadone, synthetic cannabinoids, cannabis, THC edibles, and a stolen handgun…