23-Plus Pounds Of Marijuana/THC Products Seized From Bridgeport Smoke Shop: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport police and several city and state agencies conducted a raid at a local smoke shop last month that led to the seizure of more than 23 pounds of illegal cannabis/THC products, some of which contained fentanyl, according to authorities.

The May 29 raid at Dice Convenience Smoke Shop, 4016 Main St., also resulted in the arrest of one of the shop's employees.

Some of the seized products also tested positive for the narcotic fentanyl, police said.

According to officials, the raid involved the police department's Narcotics and Vice Division, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Drug Control Division, the Bridgeport Fire Inspectors Office, and the city's Health and Building departments.

Authorities said they seized about 23.24 pounds of cannabis and THC-related products, as well as $654 in cash believed to be proceeds from the sale of those products.

The fentanyl was found in prepackaged cannabis products, police said. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for pain management and anesthesia that is significantly more potent than morphine. Illegally manufactured fentanyl has been linked to overdose deaths nationwide.

Police arrested Amin Mohamed Algahiem, 24, whose last known address was in California.

Algahiem was charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit operation of a drug factory
• Conspiracy to commit possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of cannabis
• Possession of a controlled substance, first offense
• Possession of a cannabis plant weighing less than 50 ounces
• Conspiracy to commit sale of a narcotic substance

He was released after posting bond on bail of $50,000, and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on June 16.

In addition to the criminal charges, city agencies issued violations to the business. The Bridgeport Health and Building departments issued stop-work orders for on-site violations, according to police.

Anyone with information about narcotics violations can contact the Bridgeport Police Narcotics Tips Line at 203-576-7903.