On Friday, December 29, 2023, investigators from the Greenwich Police Department, accompanied by drug control agents from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, conducted unscheduled inspections at local ‘smoke shops’ in the Town of Greenwich.
The following businesses were inspected:
–Ignite Smoke Shop, 14 West Putnam Ave
–Nilkanth Corp (Zyn’s Stationary), 345 Greenwich Ave
–Byram Smoke Shop, 111 Mill Street
–State Line Stationary, 215 Mill Street
Upon arrival at each of the aforementioned locations, investigators immediately identified products in plain view on the shelves that were known to be illicit and not legal for sale in Connecticut.
Investigators responded to Zyn’s, located at 345 Greenwich Ave, where they met store manager Nikul Patel.
Patel removed the illicit products from the shelf. He was advised that the identified products were not allowed to be sold in Connecticut.
Investigators also provided Patel the following advisements:
-To post their Dealer of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System or Vapor Product (ECD) registration in plain view.
-To remove all illicit THC products from the facility and to not sell these products in the State of Connecticut moving forward.
-To obtain a Non-Legend Drug Permit (PME) in order to continue selling over the counter medication such as Tylenol and Aleve.
Investigators proceeded to Ignite Smoke Shop located at 14 West Putnam.
Investigators immediately identified products in plain view on the shelves that were known to be illicit. The on-duty clerk contacted the manager, Nasser Salah, via telephone.
Ignite Smoke Shop was under investigation after the Greenwich Police received citizen complaints alleging the shop was believed to be selling illegal substances to juveniles.
There was an inactive Electronic Nicotine Delivery System or Vapor Product (ECD) registration posted on the wall that displayed an expiration date of February 2023.
Investigators advised the manager, Salah, via telephone that he would not be able to sell any electronic vapor products without an active ECD. Salah was given the option to remove all the products in violation from the shelves or close the store until a valid permit was obtained. Salah instructed the clerk to close the store and to post a sign on the door stating they are closed.
Prior to securing, the manager, Salah, was given the following advisements:
– To apply for a Dealer of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System or Vapor Product (ECD) registration.
– To not sell any vapor products until the ECD registration is active.
Investigators proceeded to the Byram Smoke Shop located at 111 Mill Street.
The owner of the business, Maurice Ghazal, was at the location. While speaking with Ghazal it was noticed the Dealer of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System or Vapor Product (ECD) was expired, although a search of elicense confirms they do indeed have an active ECD license. The products identified to be illicit were then taken off the shelves and boxed by Ghazal to ensure there were no further sales of the illicit products.
The following advisements were then given to the owner Maurice Ghazal;
-To post their active Dealer of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System or Vapor Product (ECD) registration in plain view.
-To remove all illicit THC products from the facility and to not sell these products in the State of Connecticut moving forward.
-To obtain a Non Legend Drug Permit (PME) in order to continue selling over the counter medication such as Tylenol and Aleve.
Investigators proceeded to Stateline Stationary located at 215 Mill Street. The manager of the location, Harry Patel, took the products off the shelves and was advised to cease the sales of the illicit products.
The following advisements were then given to the manager;
-To post their Dealer of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System or Vapor Product (ECD) registration in plain view.
-To remove all illicit THC products from the facility and to not sell these products in the State of Connecticut moving forward.
-To obtain a Non Legend Drug Permit (PME) in order to continue selling over the counter medication such as Tylenol and Aleve.
A ban on the sale of recreational cannabis was enacted by the Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission in July of 2021.
No arrests have been made at this time, but the investigation is continuing.
For any further media inquiries, you may contact the Greenwich Police Department.