NORWALK — Law enforcement officials have cracked down on illegal cannabis sales in Norwalk, leading to the arrest of three individuals from local smoke shops.
The operation took place during the week of Jan. 13 after investigations by the Special Services Division of the Norwalk Police Department and the State of Connecticut Drug Control Division.
Search warrants were executed at three smoke shops suspected of selling cannabis without a license and products containing THC levels above the legal limit.
The shops were also under scrutiny for allegedly selling vape and tobacco products to minors.
At Sono One Stop on Washington Street, 45-year-old Mohamed Ali Zaiden was arrested on Jan. 15.
Zaiden, a Norwalk resident, faces multiple charges, including illegal sale/manufacture of cannabis and use or possession of drug paraphernalia.
Authorities seized an assortment of THC products, drug packaging materials, and $691 in cash.
His bond was set at $6,500, with a scheduled court date of Jan. 29.
R&R Smoke Shop and Convenience on Main Street was also targeted, resulting in the arrest of 23-year-old Abdellahi Ahmedou-Touh, also from Norwalk.
He faces serious charges, including possession with intent to sell over 1 kilogram of cannabis.
During his arrest on Jan. 15, police confiscated THC vape and edible products, packaging materials, marijuana, and $1,565 in cash.
Ahmedou-Touh’s bond was a substantial $150,000, and he is due in court on Jan. 29.
The third establishment raided was VP Snack and Soda 108 Varieties and Deli on Connecticut Avenue.
Mohamed Salem Yaghla, a 34-year-old from the Bronx, New York, was arrested on Jan. 14.
He is charged with intent to sell over 1 kilogram of cannabis and the illegal sale/manufacture of cannabis.
Confiscated items include various illegal THC edibles and $1,473 in cash.
Yaghla’s bond was set at $6,500, with a court appearance scheduled for Jan. 28.
The Norwalk Police Department continues its investigation into these and other illegal activities.
They encourage the public to report any information by calling the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111, visiting www.norwalkpd.com for anonymous internet tips, or texting “NORWALKPD” followed by the message to TIP411 (847411).