Illegal Marijuana Products Seized In Norwalk Smoke Shop Raid: Police

NORWALK, CT — Illegal marijuana products were seized on Friday when Norwalk police raided the Smokey Bear on North Main Street, and a shop employee was arrested, as part of the department's ongoing investigation into smoke shops in the city, according to authorities.

During the raid, members of the department's Special Services Division seized "a variety of THC gummies, prewrapped marijuana cigarettes, and containers/ bags filled with marijuana," in addition to several bottles of nitrous oxide.

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide products from any size canisters, tanks, or chargers," said Lt. Tomasz Podgorski in a statement. "These products are marketed as both unflavored and flavored and are sold as food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use. Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents can lead to serious adverse health events, including death."

Over the past year, Norwalk police have cracked down on smoke shops "selling cannabis and cannabis products without a cannabis license."

In Connecticut, it is illegal to sell products that contain a total THC concentration greater than 0.3 percent without a state issued license, according to Podgorski, who added that it is also illegal to sell pure marijuana when not a licensed dispensary.

Arrested was a shop employee, Cielo Davila, 24, of Stamford, who was charged with:

• Violation of restricted substances
• Sale of less than 1 kilo of marijuana
• Possession of paraphernalia

Davila was released after posting a $1,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Aug. 15.