The Jersey City Quality of Life Task Force arrested four people and issued 14 summonses at five illegal smoke shops recently, Mayor Steven Fulop announced.
“Anyone trying to circumvent the system and illegally sell products is not only breaking the law but also risking public safety while taking business away from legitimate establishments that comply with regulations,” Fulop said in a statement.
Following complaints from community members, the JCPD Quality of Life Unit launched investigations into illegal activity within multiple establishments violating permitting and licensing laws. The sweep included site visits to salons, smoke shops, and barbershops.
This citywide effort is part of Jersey City’s broader crackdown on unlicensed cannabis dealers, illegal smoke shops, and other establishments operating outside the law.
The city remains committed to upholding regulations that protect residents and support legitimate businesses.
The successful operation was led by the Jersey City Police Department, working in conjunction with state, county, and Jersey City agencies, including code compliance,
health and human services, building, zoning, the municipal prosecutor’s office, and the
Office of Emergency Management
The QOL Task Force targeted establishments that were identified as “problematic” following numerous complaints from community members that the multi-departmental Quality of Life Unit then investigated.
The locations were as follows:
734 West Side Avenue – “Chill Town Smoke Shop”
The unlicensed smoke shop was shut down and nearly nine pounds of marijuana and over 400 pieces of untaxed tobacco were confiscated, with business owner Danial Wagner.
He was issued a summons for operating without a food license, unlicensed sale of flavored vapes, an illegal operation of cannabis retail establishment, and untaxed tobacco products.
743 West Side Avenue- “G Spot Smoke Shop”
Summons issued for notice of violation for sale of flavored vapes
737 West Side Avenue – “Controversia Barbershop”
Summonses issued for unsanitary condition, dirty vanity drawers, and no cover on waste containers.
233 MLK Drive – “Maoze Smoke Shop”
Abdourahim A. Nahwi arrested and summonses issued for an unlicensed smoke shop (twice), an animal on site (twice), interference with health (twice), sale of flavored vapes,
sale of loose cigarettes, possession of untaxed goods, failure to maintain records, failure to pay tax on tobacco products, possession of over 2000 cigarettes without NJ Stamp (fourth degree crime), failure to properly register with the Division of Taxation, and failure to display business registration.
305 MLK Drive – “Neighborhood Dollar Store”
Approximately 4 pounds of marijuana were recovered and the unlicensed business was shut down.
Business owner Alquan Scott and store employee Hassan Holland had an active warrant out of Jersey City.
Summonses were issued for an unlicensed smoke shop and the illegal retail of cannabis.