Oneida County Health Department Seizes Suspected K2 & Unknown Substance During Utica Deli Inspection

The Oneida County Health Department, with assistance from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, seized approximately 30 packets of suspected K2 and five additional packages containing an unknown substance during a compliance inspection Wednesday at Dalaly Deli in Utica.

The inspection took place at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Sept. 2 at Dalaly Deli located at 120 Eagle Street, and was conducted as part of the County’s ongoing enforcement efforts targeting businesses that may be selling dangerous and prohibited substances.

“This inspection is another example of how we have taken decisive action against dangerous substances that have no place being sold in our communities,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “We have strengthened our laws, strengthened our public health orders, and most importantly, strengthened enforcement. We are not going to stand by while businesses profit from substances like synthetic cannabinoids and kratom that can devastate individuals, families and entire neighborhoods. Our message is simple: if you sell these products, we will come after you.”

The seized materials will be subject to further examination and testing as appropriate. The identity and composition of the unknown substances have not been confirmed.

The inspection also determined that the business did not have proper signage for tobacco products. The store did possess a valid New York State Department of Taxation and Finance registration for cigarettes and tobacco products.

The inspection comes as Oneida County continues to aggressively enforce its recently enacted measures addressing dangerous substances: a local law prohibiting the sale of kratom and a public health order prohibiting the sale of synthetic cannabinoids, including products commonly marketed as K2, Deuce and Spice.

The County has also conducted joint enforcement operations with local law enforcement agencies that resulted in the closure of other Utica businesses for violations involving the sale of prohibited substances.

The Oneida County Health Department and its law enforcement partners will continue conducting compliance inspections and investigating reports of businesses selling prohibited substances.

“We have spent years building a comprehensive approach to substance abuse that includes prevention, education, treatment and enforcement,” said Oneida County Director of Health Dr. Daniel Gilmore. “We cannot effectively protect our community if dangerous substances are sitting behind the counter of neighborhood businesses. These inspections send a clear message that we are going to hold businesses accountable and do everything we can to keep these products out of the hands of our residents.”

The investigation into the materials seized at Dalaly Deli remains ongoing. Any potential criminal charges will be determined by the appropriate law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities following completion of the investigation.