NORWICH - On May 7, the City of Norwich Police Department executed search warrants at the Norwich Deli, located at 70 East Main Street in the City of Norwich, as well as an associated apartment on Elm Street investigating alleged tax fraud involving tobacco products and the illegal sale of cannabis products to minors.

Norwich Police Chief Scott Burlison said multiple agencies had been looking into the location for several months. He said police located the narcotics at the apartment and investigators do not believe the store was selling narcotics, only illegal tobacco and cannabis products to local youths.

During the execution of the warrants, investigators seized approximately 40 cartons of untaxed cigarettes, more than 1,000 flavored vape products prohibited from sale under New York State law, quantities of cannabis and THC-related products. They also found dangerous narcotics including methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, said the chief.

As a result of conditions observed during the execution of the warrants, the City of Norwich Codes Department responded to the business and issued numerous code violations related to the property. The Chenango County Environmental Health Department also responded to assist on scene.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and the New York State Office of Cannabis Management assisted in the investigation by providing guidance in their respective fields and are currently reviewing evidence during the operation while conducting their own related investigations.

At this time, two individuals have been arrested as a result of the search warrants.

“Because this investigation involved a business located near the center of our downtown community, we recognize many residents had questions about what was occurring,” said City of Norwich Police Department Chief Scott Burlison.”

“While we cannot get fully into too many specifics of the investigation moving forward, I’m proud of the work by our department as well as our local and state partners up to this point. More arrests and charges are expected in the future as a result of this operation and will update the public when we can make information publicly available.”

- Information from the Norwich Police Department