Monroe County Sheriff’s Office shuts down unlicensed cannabis shop in Henrietta after months of investigation and community concerns

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County officials say a months-long investigation has led to the closure of an unlicensed cannabis shop operating in Henrietta. On May 2, 2025, deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) executed a court-approved search warrant at Mad Flavors Smoke Shop, located at 2761 East Henrietta Road.

Investigators from the B Zone substation spearheaded the operation after gathering evidence of unlawful cannabis sales at the location. Authorities explained that the process required patient, deliberate steps to establish probable cause, ultimately allowing deputies to move in on the business, which had reportedly been a growing concern in the community.

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management, which oversees the regulated marijuana market statewide, supported the search effort by identifying and categorizing the wide range of products discovered inside. Meanwhile, the Town of Henrietta handled code enforcement issues and secured the property after the raid.

Large Seizure of Products and Cash

When deputies searched the smoke shop, they uncovered a significant stash of cannabis products and cash proceeds. According to MCSO, the seizure included 27 pounds of cannabis flower, two pounds of pre-rolled joints, 820 packages of THC-infused edibles—many exceeding the state’s strict 10 milligram THC limit per serving—531 cannabis concentrates, and 650 THC vapes. Investigators also confiscated $44,041 in cash believed to be linked to illicit sales.

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Sheriff’s deputies stressed that these types of quantities point to more than casual or small-scale distribution. The large amount of high-potency edibles was of particular concern, given that New York’s cannabis laws set clear restrictions designed to prevent unsafe dosages from entering circulation.

Charges Filed Against Shop Operators

Two men connected to the shop were arrested during the operation.

• Ahmed S. Mamdoh, 31, of Greece, was charged with Criminal Possession of Cannabis in the First Degree, a Class D felony.
• Mohand B. Kowa, 24, of Rochester, faced the same felony charge.

Following their arrests, Mamdoh was arraigned in CAP Court and released on his own recognizance. Kowa, however, was remanded to the Monroe County Jail due to an existing probation warrant.

A Second Search Turns Up a Weapon

The investigation did not end at the smoke shop. On May 6, deputies executed a second search warrant at the Greece residence of Mahdi Taouzinet, identified as an employee of Mad Flavors. During that search, officers seized a loaded Glock 17 handgun with a high-capacity magazine.

Taouzinet, 32, of Greece, was charged with two weapon-related felonies: Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class D felony). He was arraigned in CAP Court and ordered held at the Monroe County Jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond.

Officials Respond to Community Concerns

Local law enforcement emphasized that the operation was launched in response to repeated worries raised by residents. Community members had alerted authorities about suspicious activity, leading deputies to put the shop under closer watch.

In a public statement following the raid, the sheriff’s office noted: “Our B-zone deputies prioritized the valid concerns of several members of our community, and acted immediately to investigate. As a result, our Criminal Investigation Section became involved and together, in concert with the NYS Office of Cannabis Management and the Town of Henrietta, shut down a dangerous unlicensed cannabis shop.”

The joint effort highlights how local and state agencies are working together to enforce cannabis laws in New York, where only licensed dispensaries are legally permitted to sell marijuana. Officials say unregulated shops not only bypass state tax revenue but also put the public at risk by selling untested, often unsafe products.

Growing Enforcement Efforts Across the State

The shutdown in Henrietta mirrors a broader crackdown happening across New York as regulators and local police confront a wave of unlicensed dispensaries that opened in the wake of legalization. State officials have repeatedly warned that operating outside the licensing framework will not be tolerated, and cases like the Mad Flavors raid show how quickly those warnings can become action.

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While three individuals now face felony charges, authorities say the larger goal was to protect the public and send a message that illegal cannabis operations undermine the regulated system. For Henrietta residents who voiced concerns, the closure of the shop may offer reassurance that their complaints did not go unheard.

At the same time, the case underscores the challenges of balancing legalization with enforcement. As the state continues to expand its legal cannabis market, officials are likely to keep targeting unlicensed sellers, ensuring that products on shelves meet safety standards and that communities are not left vulnerable to illegal enterprises operating in plain sight.