Monroe Smoke Shop Busted For Selling To Minors: Police

MONROE, CT — A recently opened smoke shop in Monroe is facing criminal charges following an investigation into its illegal sale of products to minors.

The investigation into Area 51 Smoke Shop at 525 Main Street by the Monroe Detective Division was prompted by anonymous complaints regarding the sale of marijuana and statutorily controlled substances to juveniles as young as 14 years old, according to Monroe Police Lt. Stephen Corrone.

Over the course of the investigation and multiple undercover purchases, police say they learned that products were not being sold in accordance with Connecticut law. Police also discovered the shop was not in compliance with state labor and tax laws, according to Corrone.

Police executed a search and seizure warrant for the premises of Area 51 Smoke shop on July 18. They were assisted by agents of the state Departments of Labor and Revenue, Revenue Services, Consumer Protection Drug Control Unit, and Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The search resulted in the seizure of 4 pounds of loose marijuana, approximately a thousand THC products including vape devices, pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, containers of THC gummy products, and $10,000 in cash.

The sale of these products may only be done by state-authorized dispensaries, and Monroe does not have any, according to police. Area 51 Smoke Shop faces administrative penalties from the state, and criminal charges are also pending.