Wilton smoke shop caught selling illegal THC products, police say

WILTON — Local police say they have launched an investigation into a Danbury Road smoke shop after the store was caught selling a vape to a minor and hawking products containing illegally high amounts of THC.

Officers conducted a compliance check at the Mohegan Smoke Shop, 14 Danbury Road, on Wednesday with the assistance of the state Department of Consumer Protection and the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, according to Lt. Gregg Phillipson, public information officer for the Wilton Police Department. Investigators had earlier received a tip that multiple minors had purchased tobacco and other products from the store, Phillipson said. Other Mohegan Smoke Shop locations have been cited for selling to minors on multiple previous occasions.

During the compliance check, a minor working with the state was able to purchase a nicotine vape device from the clerk on duty at the smoke shop, according to Phillipson. The clerk, identified as Mhd Talal Najib of Norwalk, was issued an infraction, Phillipson said.

While on the scene, Wilton officers and members of both state agencies observed that products containing the THC compounds delta-8, delta-9 and delta-10 were displayed for sale, according to Phillipson. State law prohibits most businesses from selling products containing more than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight. Starting on July 1, 2021, that definition expanded to include products containing delta-7, delta-8, delta-9 and delta-10.

“Individuals or entities selling or offering these types of products can no longer sell them if they do not hold a cannabis license and should dispose of these products prior to July 1, 2021,” the state Department of Consumer Protection said in a news release at the time.

Officers seized the products, according to Phillipson. Police continue to investigate.