Police Crack Down On Sale Of Illegal Substances At Norwalk Vape Shops

NORWALK, CT — Police arrested two people and seized marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms and other items while investigating the sale of illicit substances at vape shops in Norwalk.

In a news release, Police Sgt. Sofia Gulino said officers executed several search warrants Tuesday and served multiple arrest warrants related to the sale of illicit substances at various vape shops in town.

The investigation began in early January after police received information that certain vape shops in Norwalk were selling marijuana, pills, psychedelic mushrooms and various other narcotics, Gulino said.

Using a variety of investigative techniques and resources, police developed enough information to apply for related search warrants and arrest warrants, Gulino said.

While executing the search warrants, officers seized approximately 2.73 pounds of marijuana, 29.3 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, thousands of products such as gummies, vapes and oils containing illegal levels of THC and approximately $8,400 in cash, Gulino said.

The raids occurred at Vapewise on Liberty Square, NYC Exotic Snax on Washington Street and SoNo Vape on Washington Street, Gulino said.

As a result of the investigation, a 43-year-old Fort Wayne, Ind., resident and a 28-year-old Bronx, N.Y., resident connected to separate stores were arrested on sale of controlled substance charges. Their bond was set at $10,000 and they are scheduled to appear in court later this month, according to Gulino.

The lengthy investigation was part of a joint effort between the Stamford Police Department's narcotics and organized crime division and the state's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program.