BRIDGEPORT, CT — Police arrested four people and seized more than 50 pounds of items containing THC during coordinated compliance inspections at smoke shops throughout the city.
The Bridgeport Police Department’s Narcotic and Vice Division conducted the inspections in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division, Department of Revenue Services, Department of Public Health and Addiction Services, Bridgeport Fire Department Fire Marshals Office, Bridgeport Building Code Enforcement, and the Connecticut Department of Labor.
Authorities identified multiple violations and took immediate enforcement actions at four locations registered as smoke shops or designated for the sale of smoke shop-related products.
At Blue Jet Smoker, 2291 Fairfield Ave., police seized 6.37 pounds of items containing Tetrahydrocannabinol and cash.
Firas Farid Alawdi, a clerk, was arrested and charged with operation of a drug factory, possession with intent to sell/dispense narcotics, and possession of controlled substance.
Bond was set at $5,000.
At Smokers Box Inc., 1668 Park Ave., police seized 12.53 pounds of items containing THC and cash.
Arilis Agramonte Dignori, a clerk, was arrested and charged with operation of a drug factory, possession with intent to sell/dispense narcotics, and possession of controlled substance.
Bond was set at $5,000.
At Hollywood Smoke Shop, 298 North Ave., police seized 11.30 pounds of items containing THC and cash.
Sri Harsha Kuchi, a clerk, was arrested and charged with operation of a drug factory, possession with intent to sell/dispense narcotics, and possession of controlled substance.
Bond was set at $5,000.
At Star Convenience, 1640 Barnum Ave., police seized 20.15 pounds of items containing THC and cash.
Ali Fadl Saleh Fadel, a clerk, was arrested and charged with operation of a drug factory, possession with intent to sell/dispense narcotics, and possession of controlled substance.
Bond was set at $5,000.
State and city agencies issued violations to the establishments and specific employees.
The Connecticut Department of Labor ordered all four businesses to close until further notice.
Anyone with information regarding narcotics violations is encouraged to contact the Bridgeport Police Narcotic Tips Line at (203) 576-7903.
