Bridgeport Police Make Arrests, Seize 50 Pounds Of THC Products At Local Smoke Shops

BRIDGEPORT, CT — During compliance inspections last week at four smoke shops in Bridgeport, police seized a total of more than 50 pounds of illegal products containing THC, and arrested four individuals on narcotics charges, according to authorities. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the regulated compound in marijuana that makes people high.

The inspections were conducted by department's Narcotic and Vice Division, in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division; Department of Revenue Services; Department of Public Health and Addiction Services; Bridgeport Fire Department Fire Marshals Office; Bridgeport Building Code Enforcement; and the Connecticut Department of Labor.

All four shops have been temporarily closed by the labor department until further notice, according to officials.

"These locations were registered as Smoke Shops or designated for the sale of smoke shop-related products," wrote Bridgeport Police Sgt. Paul Scillia in a statement. "The mission of this joint effort was to ensure full compliance with state and city regulations and to safeguard the well-being of the community."

Scillia added, "During the inspections, authorities identified multiple violations and took immediate enforcement actions in accordance with City Ordinances and the law."

Below are summaries of the enforcement actions:

2291 Fairfield Ave (Blue Jet Smoker)

Seized: 6.37 pounds of items containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and additional cash.

Arrested: Firas Farid Alawdi, loan clerk.

Charges:

• 21a-277(c) Operation of a Drug Factory
• 21a-277(b)(1D) Possession with Intent to Sell/Dispense Narcotics
• 21a-279a(a)(1) Possession of Controlled Substance
• Bond set at $5,000.00

1668 Park Ave (Smokers Box Inc)

Seized: 12.53 pounds of items containing THC and additional cash.

Arrested: Arilis Agramonte Dignori, clerk.

Charges:

• 21a-277(c) Operation of a Drug Factory
• 21a-277(b)(1D) Possession with Intent to Sell/Dispense Narcotics
• 21a-279a(a)(1) Possession of Controlled Substance
• Bond set at $5,000.00

298 North Ave (Hollywood Smoke Shop)

Seized: 11.30 pounds of items containing THC and cash related to the business.

Arrested: Sri Harsha Kuchi, clerk.

Charges:

• 21a-277(c) Operation of a Drug Factory
• 21a-277(b)(1D) Possession with Intent to Sell/Dispense Narcotics
• 21a-279a(a)(1) Possession of Controlled Substance
• Bond set at $5,000.00

1640 Barnum Ave (Star Convenience)

Seized: 20.15 pounds of items containing THC and associated cash.

Arrested: Ali Fadl Saleh Fadel, clerk.

Charges:

• 21a-277(c) Operation of a Drug Factory
• 21a-277(b)(1D) Possession with Intent to Sell/Dispense Narcotics
• 21a-279a(a)(1) Possession of Controlled Substance
• Bond set at $5,000.00

Scillia said that in addition to police enforcement actions, collaborating state and city agencies issued their respective violations to both the establishments and specific employees.

"The Bridgeport Police Department, alongside its city and state partners, remains dedicated to upholding the laws of Connecticut and ensuring the safety of our community," Scillia said. "Further updates will be provided as additional investigations into these types of establishments progress. Anyone with information regarding narcotics violations is encouraged to contact the Bridgeport Police Narcotic Tips Line at (203) 576-7903."