The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have shut down a Southeast DC business for illegal cannabis sales.
The Closure Orders were executed on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Potomac Tobacco, an unlicensed retailer, due to activities that posed an imminent danger to public health and safety.
The operation was part of the city's ongoing enforcement efforts following the enactment of the Medical Cannabis Conditional License and Unlicensed Establishment Closure Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, which granted ABCA new civil enforcement powers. Since the bill took effect on July 15, 2024, joint agency efforts have resulted in the padlocking of 102 illegal cannabis businesses.
Seizure Details
Potomac Tobacco (1300-1302 Pennsylvania Ave, SE)
- Marijuana: 1.7 Ounces
- Pre-rolled Marijuana Cigarettes: 300 Grams
- THC Vape Cartridges: 149 Grams
- Arrest: Fifty-five-year-old Md Minto Bapary of Arlington, VA
The public can continue to support enforcement efforts by reporting suspected illegal cannabis businesses online at abca.dc.gov/service/complaint. Submissions can be made anonymously. To locate a licensed medical cannabis Retailer, visit abca.dc.gov/service/find-medical-cannabis-retailer.
Questions regarding:
- Medical cannabis licensing and enforcement should be directed to ABCA at [email protected].
- Illegal product seizure and arrests should be directed to MPD at [email protected].