DANBURY – State agencies in conjunction with Danbury police have confiscated about 55 pounds of illegal cannabis from three city vape and smoke shops, officials announced Thursday, April 10.
The three shops are charged with violating numerous criminal and civil statutes including illegal drug sales, underage sales, labor violations, and tax violations, police said. They include Star Rose Vape & Smoke Shop at 2-4 Mill Ridge Road, All the Smoke at 6 Ives St., and CT Smoke House at 10 Mill Plain Road.
The owner of All the Smoke, Ronnie Priar, was arrested on April 4 and charged with operating a drug factory and sale of 1 kilo or more of cannabis. Brianna Rosario and Ahmed Himed of Danbury were charged with sale of a narcotic and possession with intent to sell 1 kilo of cannabis while operating a drug factory.
Star Rose operates under the same ownership as Zaza Smoke Shop 2, with a stipulated judgement with the Office of the Attorney General following prior violations. Zaza paid a $25,000 civil penalty to the state in 2024 and is subject to a suspended civil penalty of another $35,000 if found in violation of the judgment. The Office of the Attorney General is evaluating all legal options to enforce the judgment, including filing a motion for contempt in Superior Court.
Due to the ongoing criminal and civil investigations, further details are being withheld.
As a result of citizen complaints, primarily from parents of minors, regarding the sale of THC products and vapes to their children, the Danbury Police Department said in an April 4 statement that it performed many compliance checks in the past, which have resulted in the seizure of pounds of marijuana (bud and other THC products) and other illicit products equaling several thousands of dollars in value.
The raids were conducted jointly by the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Consumer Protection, Danbury Police Department, State Police, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Department of Labor, and Department of Revenue Services on April 4.
“Restoring safety to the Danbury community and eliminating these risks to our children is my utmost priority,” said Mayor Roberto Alves. “That’s why I have added more police officers and resources to our budget year-over-year. Enforcement does not stop here. I will be working with the attorney general on strengthening our legal right to enforce penalties and further action on businesses caught selling unregulated, illegal substances in Danbury.”
State Attorney General William Tong explained how the Danbury bust is part of an effort by state agencies to control the illegal sale of cannabis.
“Legal cannabis is not a free-for-all,” Attorney General William Tong said in a press release. “If you are unlicensed, if you sell untested, unregulated cannabis, if you sell to minors, we will know, and we will hold you accountable. We will continue to work in lock step with our law enforcement partners throughout state and local government to protect public safety.”
The state Department of Consumer Protection, which cannabis sales are under its purview, played a major part in this and all cannabis raids.
“Thank you to our partner agencies and the City of Danbury for working together to prioritize public health and safety, and in particular, the safety of our children,” said Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli. “Government works best when we work together, and these joint efforts are a great example of that.”
Residents over age 21 can legally possess and consume cannabis in Connecticut. Cannabis products may only be sold in the regulated market and must meet rigorous testing and packaging requirements. Cannabis products sold outside of the regulated market continue to be illegal and may subject sellers to civil and criminal penalties.
