Hundreds of Potentially Illegal Cannabis Products Seized During Multi-Agency Investigation
DESPP, DRS, DCP Collaborate with City of Waterbury to halt illegal drug sales
WATERBURY — An inter-agency enforcement effort this week led by the Waterbury Police Department and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection resulted in the seizure of hundreds of presumed THC products, prescription pharmaceuticals and numerous other violations.
The Department of Revenue Services, the Department of Consumer Protection and the Office of the Attorney General provided additional investigators and support during the coordinated enforcement operation focusing on six Waterbury businesses on Tuesday morning, July 23.
Investigators seized products presumed to contain THC that look like common snack foods such as cereal and candy, and that may have been sold to people under the age of 21.
Cannabis may be legally purchased in Connecticut by adult consumers who are at least 21 years old. Sales are only allowed at licensed retailers who must meet health and safety guidelines. Illegal cannabis products pose a unique risk to children, who may unknowingly ingest unsafe doses of THC.
The enforcement effort was focused on finding illegal cannabis products for sale. Investigators found:
- Hundreds of commercially packaged snacks presumed to contain THC.
- Vape cartridges, cigars and gummies, all presumed to contain THC.
The products were found at Up In Smoke. The items have been sent to DESPP’s forensic lab for testing. The Waterbury Police Department is continuing its investigation.
In addition to illegal cannabis products, investigators from the Department of Consumer Protection found the following violations:
- Sale of foreign prescription pharmaceuticals, including sildenafil used to treat erectile dysfunction and ampicillin, an antibiotic used to manage and treat bacterial infections.
- Sale of non-legend drugs and electronic nicotine delivery systems without active credentials.
All foreign prescription medications and syringes were surrendered to the Department of Consumer Protection’s Drug Control Division. DCP will test the products using a TruNarc device, which can detect the presence of substances like fentanyl, amphetamines and other controlled substances.
Investigators from the Department of Revenue Services found the following violations:
- Sale of loose cigarettes.
- Possession of untaxed cigarettes.
- Fraudulent cigarette tax stamps.
Two misdemeanor arrests were made by the Department of Revenue Services related to these violations.
Investigators visited six businesses in Waterbury during the joint operation:
- Mya’s Deli Grocery, 293 Walnut St.
- Yellow Store, 352 Walnut St.
- Up In Smoke, 358 Walnut St.
- Adriel Mini Market, 50 North Walnut St.
- Betances Grocery Market, 82 Oak St.
- Mama’s Little Market, 264 Walnut St.
Statements from Officials:
DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins: “The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is committed to supporting local and state law enforcement and regulatory efforts to make our communities safer.”
DRS Commissioner Mark Boughton: “This is a terrific example of inter-agency collaboration ensuring compliance with state regulations.”
DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli: “Inter-agency collaboration is critical to protecting public health and safety.”
Attorney General William Tong: “Cannabis is legal for adults in Connecticut, but it’s not a free-for-all.”
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo: “Our collective efforts are essential in keeping communities safe while raising awareness regarding the illegal sale of cannabis-based products.”
Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski: “The illegal sale of unregulated, untested cannabis-based products presents a real danger to our entire community, particularly our youth.”
Media Contacts:
- Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection: Rick Green (richard.green@ct.gov, (860) 828-6681)
- Department of Revenue Services: Tiffany V. Thiele (Tiffany.Thiele@ct.gov, (860) 297-5615)
- Department of Consumer Protection: Kaitlyn Krasselt (kaitlyn.krasselt@ct.gov, (860) 713-6019)
- Waterbury Police Department: Lt. Ryan Bessette (rbessette@wtbypd.org, (203) 558-7207)
- City of Waterbury: Jennifer Rose (jrose@waterburyct.org, (203) 574-6712 (office)
