Stamford, CT — In a major effort to curb illegal cannabis distribution, Stamford police conducted a raid on January 12, 2025, resulting in over 135 pounds of marijuana seized from multiple businesses across the city. The bust targeted three local smoke shops accused of operating outside Connecticut’s strict cannabis regulations.

The seized products, which included pre-rolled joints, edibles, vape cartridges, and flower, were discovered during a coordinated operation involving the Stamford Police Department and state regulatory agencies. Authorities say the total value of the confiscated cannabis exceeds $500,000.

Targeted Businesses

The smoke shops involved included:

Black Star Smoke Shop at 335 W. Main Street, which was found with over 80 pounds of cannabis products.
Zaza Smoke Shop at 1990 W. Main Street, where 45 pounds of illegal products were seized.
Smokey Bear Smoke Shop at 59 Broad Street, which received a citation for selling to minors but did not have significant illegal inventory.

Community and Legal Implications

“The sale of unregulated cannabis poses significant health risks to our community, especially to minors. We will continue to work closely with state agencies to ensure compliance with cannabis laws.”
emphasized assistant Stamford Police Chief Richard Conklin

Connecticut law prohibits the sale of products with a THC concentration above 0.3% without a license from the Department of Consumer Protection. Despite cannabis legalization in 2021, unregulated sales remain a challenge, with businesses circumventing the law to profit from the growing market.

Sales to Minors and Licensing Violations

Police reported additional infractions, including the sale of vape cartridges to minors. These violations have raised alarms among public health officials, who warn about the dangers of underage cannabis consumption and vaping.

The businesses may face severe penalties, including civil lawsuits, loss of licenses, and criminal charges. Officials stated that this operation could be a precedent for statewide enforcement against unlicensed cannabis sales.

Future Enforcement

The Stamford Police Department confirmed that similar compliance checks would continue throughout 2025. Authorities urged businesses to adhere to state laws and reminded residents to purchase cannabis only from licensed dispensaries.

As Connecticut continues to navigate the complexities of cannabis legalization, this operation highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and regulate the burgeoning industry.

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