NORWALK, CT — Police arrested a store clerk and seized approximately 1.5 pounds of cannabis products during a search warrant execution at a Washington Street smoke shop on Dec. 3.
Aiman Faroq Mohsen-Alhodais, 20, of Norwalk, was taken into custody without incident at Sono One Stop, located at 83 Washington St.
The Norwalk Police Department’s Special Services Division executed the search and seizure warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into smoke shops suspected of selling cannabis and cannabis products without a valid state license.
Investigators recovered pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, containers and bags filled with marijuana, and THC edibles during the search.
Mohsen-Alhodais was charged on scene with possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.
He was held on $50,000 bond.
He also had an active arrest warrant for sale of a controlled substance, with an additional $50,000 bond.
Under Connecticut law, it is illegal to sell products containing a total THC concentration greater than 0.3 percent without a state-issued license, as well as to sell marijuana outside of a licensed dispensary.
This marked the second search warrant executed at the location, with the first conducted in January.
In November, investigators issued Sono One Stop a citation for failing to comply with a new city vape shop ordinance.
The evidence recovered on Dec. 3 marks the store’s second violation under the ordinance.
The city approved the ordinance in March specifically targeting the licensing and regulation of vape and smoke shops due to ongoing issues with some establishments selling illegal marijuana and other substances.
Under the ordinance, a first violation carries a $250 fine.
A second violation within 12 months results in a six-month license suspension.
A third violation within 24 months results in license revocation.
Mohsen-Alhodais is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 18.
