[Former Proud Canadian]

Good question. It is illegal to sell loose (untaxed) cigarettes in New York City. This is a minor crime but a crime nonetheless. The real question is: who ordered the crackdown? There were several officers in attendance to take this guy in.

I have heard distant drums claim that deBlasio ordered the crackdown the day before and the officers were following orders from the very top. Inquiring minds would like to know for certain.

[miss marmelstein]

The bodega owners were calling the police on him. I’m sure he was attracting low lives as well as undercutting the owners who actually work for a living.