Greece Police Department Makes $17M Illegal Cannabis Bust, 2 Arrested

More than $17 million worth of illegal cannabis products, along with a ghost gun, hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and six vehicles, were seized following a months-long investigation into an alleged cannabis trafficking operation in Monroe County. The Greece Police Department announced Monday that two men were arrested following an investigation that began in April into the alleged sale and distribution of cannabis throughout New York state.

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Police said detectives identified two warehouse locations allegedly being used to store bulk cannabis and concentrated cannabis products before they were distributed to smoke shops across the state. On July 28, Greece police SWAT officers, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement agencies executed search warrants at two homes and two warehouses. Investigators said they seized more than 615 pounds of cannabis and approximately 20,000 pounds of concentrated cannabis products.

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management estimated the seized cannabis products had a retail value of more than $17 million. Authorities also recovered a privately manufactured firearm, commonly referred to as a ghost gun, more than $219,000 in cash, six vehicles, multiple pieces of high-end jewelry and additional evidence allegedly connected to the distribution operation. Joseph Grant, 31, of Webster, was charged with four counts of first-degree criminal possession of cannabis, all Class D felonies, and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C felony.

Jason Grant, 29, of Rochester, was charged with four counts of first-degree criminal possession of cannabis. Both men were taken to the Monroe County Jail for CAP Court. Police said Joseph Grant later posted bail and was released, while Jason Grant was released under the supervision of Pretrial Services. The investigation involved the Greece Police Department, DEA, New York State Office of Cannabis Management, New York State Police, Webster Police Department and Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. The charges are accusations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Source: Rochester First