STAMFORD, Conn. — A joint effort between state and local entities resulted in the confiscation of more than 135 pounds of illegal cannabis from eight vape shops in Stamford last month.
A release from Attorney General William Tong on Wednesday reported that the raids on Dec. 19, 2024 found that the shops violated numerous criminal and civil statutes, including illegal drug sales, underage sales, labor violations and tax violations.
The raids were the result of a multi-agency collaboration at the state and local levels. The Office of the Attorney General worked with the Department of Consumer Protection, the Stamford Police Department Narcotics & Organized Crime Unit, Connecticut State Police, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Department of Labor and the Department of Revenue Services.
Investigators found 4,826 units of unlawful and unregulated products such as marijuana flower and high-THC edibles in youth-attractive snack and candy packaging.
Tong says that the shops found in violation include Hope Breeze at 1074 Hope St., Stamford Vape and Smoke at 221 Hope St., World Exotic at 2284 Summer St., Smoke Clouds at 1136-1138 East Main St., Smoke Times at 108 Bedford St., Landmark Smoke Shop at 118 Broad St., Smokey Bear Smoke Shop at 59 Broad St. and Bedford St. Market at 27 Bedford St.
Hope Breeze and World Exotic are reportedly both operating under stipulated judgements with the Office of the Attorney General after previous violations were found. Those businesses paid a combined $50,000 civil penalty to the state last year and are subject to a suspended civil penalty of an additional $70,000 if found in violation of the judgement.
According to Tong, the Attorney General’s office is evaluating all legal options to enforce the judgement, including filing a motion in Superior Court for contempt.
“Legal cannabis is not a free-for-all. If you are unlicensed, if you sell untested, unregulated cannabis, if you sell to minors, we will know, and we will hold you accountable,” Tong said in a release. “Today’s announcement represents the combined efforts of state and local law enforcement across numerous agencies and should send a clear message to anyone continuing to break the law—there is no excuse and no tolerance for illegal cannabis sales.”
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons thanked all the agencies involved in the investigation for their effort in the raids, noting that it is one of her top priorities to protect public health and safety.
“These raids send a strong message that the City of Stamford will not tolerate illegal, unregulated and harmful products being sold in our community,” Simmons said. “My administration remains committed to working with our local and state partners to protect public health and ensure all our businesses are upholding the law.”
DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli reminded residents that THC products are meant for adults aged 21 and older. He acknowledged that many of the products are still making their way into younger hands and asked parents to familiarize themselves with what the products look like, as they are harmful to teens.
“As always, we remind adults who choose to consume cannabis to do so responsibly — including making purchases through the regulated market, which ensures products meet the state’s rigorous testing standards, meet strict packaging and labeling requirements, and guarantee that you are receiving exactly what you are purchasing,” Cafferelli said.
Nancy Navarretta, the commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, said substance use prevention is about building healthier, safer communities through education, collaboration and enforcement. She added that since 1997, the department has worked to reduce the availability of substances such as tobacco from the hands of minors, which created a foundation for greater substance use prevention efforts.
“DMHAS is committed to participating in these important partnerships, statewide, to educate retailers on public health risks and the importance of complying with state and federal laws,” Navarretta.
Only people 21 years old or older can legally possess and consume cannabis in Connecticut. THC products can only be sold in the regulated market and must meet strict testing and packaging requirements.
Cannabis products sold outside the regulated market continue to be illegal and may subject sellers to civil and criminal penalties.
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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