Over 1,500 Illegal THC Products Seized From Stamford Vape Shop, Employee Arrested: Police

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford police said Thursday they seized over 1,500 illegal THC products from a local vape shop and arrested an employee during the execution of a search warrant last week.

Mohamed Saidi, 20, of Stamford, an employee of Vapor Box Plus at 1035 Washington Blvd., was arrested on Aug. 27 and charged with possession of marijuana greater than a kilo, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and operating a drug factory.

Saidi was given a bond of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 10.

The Stamford Police Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit obtained a search warrant for Vapor Box Plus, a location Assistant Stamford Police Chief Richard Conklin said officers have dealt with on "numerous" occasions.

During the execution of a search warrant on Aug. 27, officers seized 1,260 THC flower products weighing 106.8 ounces; 200 THC vape products; 109 THC edible products; two nitrous oxide containers; $1,656 in cash; a drug ledger; scales; and packaging material, according to police.

Conklin noted that among the items seized was a Vapor Box Plus card that appeared to offer student discounts on products.

"This is something we're going to continue working with the city on and with the different community groups that are very much up in arms about these locations," Conklin said, noting smoke and vape shops do not have licenses to sell THC products.

"We get a tremendous amount of complaints from parents, from educators, from community groups about the ongoing sales of dangerous products," he added. "Many of the complaints revolve around underage youth who frequent these places. We're going to keep up enforcement."

Conklin said police are working with zoning officials and legislators to change local laws. While some legislation has helped stop new smoke shops from opening in Stamford, Conklin said businesses that have been around for some time "got in ahead" of those laws.

Police are also coordinating with Attorney General William Tong and state agencies, Conklin added.

Tong visited Stamford in April 2023 and pledged to crack down on illegal delta-8 THC and high-THC cannabis products, which have become readily available at smoke shops and gas stations around the city and state.

Conklin said residents with more information on businesses in Stamford selling illegal products can contact Stamford police at 203-977-4444.