MIDDLETOWN, CT — Members of the Middletown Police Department Street Crime Unit and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection conducted compliance checks at three smoke shops on Tuesday, seizing more than 62 pounds of illegal THC and cannabis products.
The raids occurred at Vape Vault at 608 Main St., Smoke Shop at 551 Washington St. and Smoke Plus at 698 Washington St.
Officers found large amounts of THC-infused products and cannabis flower at each location.
Each store was occupied by a single employee who maintained care and custody of the illegal contraband, police said.
Detectives and Consumer Protection agents seized 2.599 pounds of illegal THC and cannabis products from Vape Vault.
At Smoke Shop, officers seized 32.768 pounds of illegal THC and cannabis products.
From Smoke Plus, officers seized 27.262 pounds of illegal THC and cannabis products, along with 26,400 capsules, 34,500 grams of powder, 14 pounds of liquid and 10 pounds of synthetic Kratom, a schedule 1 drug in Connecticut.
Briana Rosario, 20, of Waterbury, was charged with possession of controlled substance and possession of controlled substance with intent to sell.
Yaritza Manzueta, 23, of New Haven, was charged with possession of controlled substance and possession of controlled substance with intent to sell.
Omar Fantauzzi, 38, of Bronx, N.Y., was charged with possession of controlled substance, possession of controlled substance with intent to sell and theft of marker plate.
The three employees were arrested and transported to Middletown Police headquarters, where they were processed and released after posting bond.
