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.
Tyrell Graves, 32, of D.C., was arrested on numerous charges, including unlicensed firearm possession and multiple drug distribution offenses.
Citywide Crackdown Continues
According to ABCA data, the city began aggressively targeting unlicensed cannabis storefronts on September 13, 2024. Since the first arrest during a closure that day, a total of 22 arrests have been made in connection with illegal shop operations.
Officials have argued that unlicensed cannabis shops pose significant health risks due to unregulated products, in addition to fueling crime by operating outside the city’s legal framework.
Public Safety and Regulatory Enforcement
ABCA said the enforcement actions are part of a broader effort to protect residents from untested and potentially dangerous products. The agency also emphasized that illegal sales undermine licensed businesses that comply with health, safety, and tax regulations.
With more than 60 stores closed in less than a year, the District’s enforcement campaign shows no signs of slowing. Authorities say additional investigations are underway and that further closures are expected in the coming weeks.
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