Branford Police Share New Details After Drug Arrest

BRANFORD, CT — A Branford man, Juan Rojas, 21, is accused of operating a drug factory in town and is being held in lieu of a $50,000, police said.

On Oct. 25, police served a search warrant at a local house. Police said they received information that someone at the house, which police didn't specify, was "selling marijuana including edible marijuana derivatives which resembled gummy bears and cookies," police said.

Also recovered in the house was $10,000 in cash obtained as proceeds from drug sales, police said. Rojas is charged with operating a drug factory, three counts of possession with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, and risk of injury to a child.

Branford Police said "Even though Connecticut has decriminalized Marijuana, there are strict laws and regulations regarding the use, possession, and purchase. The edibles may look just like a cookie or candy bar, but they can contain several times the recommended adult dose of THC. Anyone who eats these edibles (****Especially a child****) can experience serious effects such as intoxication, altered perception, anxiety, panic, paranoia, dizziness, apnea, heart problems, etc.

"It’s critical for parents to understand the way the edible products are packaged, the amount of drugs they contain, how the drug is absorbed into the body, and how readily available they are to children and teens. Additional information on this can be found at https://www.healthychildren.org/…/Edible-Marijuana-Dangers.…"