Over 1,700 Illegal Marijuana Products Seized From Smoke Shops: SPD

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Police, in conjunction with state officials, conducted an investigation earlier this week into three city smoke shops following an uptick in complaints from the community regarding illegal THC products and vape sales to minors.

The SPD’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Squad seized over 1,700 illegal THC products and issued infractions and made an arrest during checks on April 1, according to Assistant Stamford Police Chief Richard Conklin.

“This is enforcement and follow-up that we’ll continue to do,” Conklin said. “We continue to get a number of complaints from concerned parents, family members, the educational system, teachers, counselors. We’ll continue as time and resources allow us to combat these issues.”

At Cove Smoke Market, located at 841 Cove Road, officers sent an individual under the age of 21 into the smoke shop where they were able to successfully purchase a vape cartridge without being asked for proper ID, Conklin said.

The clerk was issued an infraction for illegal sale of electronic systems to a minor. Officers confiscated 232 illegal THC products from the shop, Conklin noted.

At Smoke Clouds, 1138 East Main St., a minor sent in by police was unable to purchase a vape cartridge. However, officers recovered 1,290 illegal THC products and $1,528 in cash, Conklin said.

Due to the large amount of illegal marijuana flower in the shop, the clerk, Al Ammari Harwan, 30, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana greater than 1 kilo, and possession of marijuana with intent to sell, Conklin said. He was issued a $10,000 bond with a court date of April 15.

Over at Mohegan Smoke Shop, 946 Hope St., a minor working with police successfully purchased a vape cartridge without being properly identified, Conklin said.

The clerk was issued an infraction for illegal sale of electronic systems to a minor, which comes with a $750 fine for a second offense. Officers also confiscated 181 illegal THC products from the shop, Conklin said.