Norwalk police have arrested employees at three convenience stores after discovering they were illegally selling cannabis products. The busts, which took place over two days, resulted in multiple charges and the confiscation of thousands of dollars in cash and unregulated THC products. Authorities say the arrests are part of an ongoing effort to crack down on illegal marijuana sales in the city.
First Raid: VP Snack and Soda 108 Varieties and Deli
The first arrest happened on Tuesday at VP Snack and Soda 108 Varieties and Deli on Connecticut Avenue. Police executed a search warrant and arrested 34-year-old Mohamed Salem Yaghla from New York.
Authorities say Yaghla was caught with various cannabis products, including THC edibles and flower, and was charged with possession with intent to sell more than a kilogram of cannabis and illegal sale or manufacture of cannabis. Along with the products, police also seized $1,473 in cash.
Yaghla was taken into custody and held on a $6,500 bond. He is set to appear in court on January 28.
Second Raid: Sono One Stop
On Wednesday, officers turned their attention to Sono One Stop on Washington Street. There, they arrested 45-year-old Mohamed Ali Zaiden of Norwalk.
Zaiden faces two counts of illegal sale or manufacture of cannabis and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Police say they found a variety of cannabis-related items, including:
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Pre-rolled cannabis products
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THC flower
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THC vape products
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Edible THC products
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Scales and baggies used for selling cannabis
In addition to the illegal items, police seized $691 in cash. Zaiden was held on a $6,500 bond, with his court date set for January 29.
Third Raid: R&R Smoke Shop and Convenience
The biggest bust happened later that same day at R&R Smoke Shop and Convenience on Main Street. Officers arrested 23-year-old Abdellahi Ahmedou-Touh, also from Norwalk.
Police say Ahmedou-Touh was in possession of a large quantity of THC products, including:
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Illegal THC vape products
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THC edibles
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Marijuana flower
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Packaging materials commonly used to distribute cannabis
Authorities also confiscated $1,565 in cash.
Ahmedou-Touh has a history with law enforcement. Police revealed that he had been arrested for similar charges in December at the same location. During that previous arrest, officers seized hundreds of THC products exceeding the legal THC limit, pure marijuana, and nearly $8,000 in cash.
Because of his prior arrest, Ahmedou-Touh’s bond was set significantly higher—$150,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 29.
Why These Arrests Matter
These arrests are part of a larger joint investigation between the Norwalk Police Department’s Special Services Division and the State of Connecticut Drug Control Division. Officials say illegal cannabis sales not only violate state law but also pose a risk to public health.
Under Connecticut law, cannabis must be sold through licensed dispensaries and cannot contain more than 0.3% THC unless properly regulated. Authorities warn that illegal cannabis products may contain harmful additives and are often more potent than advertised, increasing the risks for users.
The Bigger Picture
The rise of illegal cannabis sales is a growing problem, especially as Connecticut continues to regulate legal dispensaries. While licensed shops follow strict testing and safety guidelines, unregulated stores can sell counterfeit or dangerously potent products without oversight.
Law enforcement officials say they will continue to monitor businesses suspected of illegal activity and encourage residents to report suspicious sales.
What’s Next?
All three suspects will face criminal charges in court later this month. If convicted, they could face hefty fines and possible jail time.
As Norwalk officials crack down on unlicensed cannabis sales, local businesses are urged to comply with state laws to avoid legal trouble. Meanwhile, authorities remind consumers to purchase cannabis only from licensed dispensaries to ensure their safety.