Authorities confiscated over 70 pounds of marijuana and a variety of THC-infused items following raids on three smoke shops in Southington during the spring season. These actions resulted in the recent arrest of four individuals.
Investigations began in April by the Southington Police, prompted by public reports and concerns raised by the Southington STEPS Coalition about several smoke shops providing vaping products to minors and selling THC products illegally, as these shops were not authorized marijuana dispensaries. More details can be found on the Southington Police Department Facebook page.
Following thorough investigation, the Special Investigations Unit obtained search warrants for three local smoke shops, according to police statements.
The police carried out these searches in May, with the assistance of the Detective Division, Patrol Division, and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division.
At Puff City on Queen St., authorities reportedly confiscated approximately 467 THC packages, 39 pounds of marijuana, and $1,412 in cash, according to police reports.
Similarly, at Cigar N Vape on N. Main St., it was reported that police found roughly 329 packages of THC items, 24 pounds of marijuana, and $341 in cash.
Further, during the raid at K&M Smoke Shop on Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, police seized about 219 THC packages, over 13 pounds of marijuana, and just below $300 in cash.
The investigations culminated in four arrest warrants issued for the owners of these shops, who face charges including possession with intent to sell more than one kilogram of cannabis and possession of more than eight ounces of a cannabis-related product.
The Owners Charged are as follows –
Khaled Ahmed, 28, was apprehended on June 12 and is out on a $5,000 non-surety bond, with his court date set for August 9 at New Britain Superior Court.
Mohamed Alwishah, 30, was detained on June 21 and released on a $5,000 non-surety bond. He was scheduled for a court appearance this past Monday.
Hasmit Kharbanda, 43, was taken into custody on June 25 and is also free on a $5,000 non-surety bond, with his court appearance also set for Monday.
Torun Okten, 56, was arrested this past Tuesday, released on a $30,000 bond, and is due in court on July 24.
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