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Police Shut Down Clinton Hill Dry Cleaner After Finding 3 Lbs. of Pot

By Janet Upadhye | October 22, 2014 4:44pm
 Clean Society Cleaners, located at 287 Grand Ave., was shut down by police last month.
Clean Society Cleaners, located at 287 Grand Ave., was shut down by police last month.
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DNAinfo.com/Janet Upadhye

CLINTON HILL — This gives new meaning to green cleaners.

A local dry cleaner was shut down by the NYPD last month after officers found 3 pounds of marijuana stashed in the shop, police officials said.

Police began to investigate the Clean Society Cleaners in May when the owner was shot in the neck by a customer after the two got into a "verbal altercation about clothes," according to police.

A small bag of marijuana was found at the scene, police said the shooting was not drug-related.

Still, the 88th Precinct launched an investigation that led to the discovery of the large stash of pot, according to precinct Capt. Peter Fiorillo. It was not clear if anyone was arrested.

The NYPD's Legal Bureau shuttered the cleaners under the Nuisance Abatement Law, which allows them to address "the problem of drug sales in commercial buildings," according to the NYPD's website.

"Many of these buildings are infested with narcotics activity and other crimes which are a destabilizing influence on a neighborhood," the site said.

The NYPD's Legal Bureau did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Locals have been aware of the cleaners' dealings with marijuana for many years, according to several residents.

One neighbor, who lives around the corner on Clifton Place but declined to give his name, said he took clothes to the cleaners when he first moved to the block a couple of years back and "they came back smelling like weed."

Another resident, who lives next door, said the spot was known for selling marijuana and people "would often come in and out without any clothes." She also asked to remain anonymous.

In order to reopen, the landlord, who could not immediately be reached for comment, must select new tenants who are approved by the NYPD Legal Bureau, according to the website.

An employee who answered a phone number shown on a sign hung on the door of the cleaners said the business was permanently closed.

Customers who need to pick up their clothes can call 917-975-5969.