Hundreds of illegal cannabis products seized from Waterbury shops

Tim Harfmann
·2 min read

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Hundreds of potentially illegal cannabis products were confiscated from stores in Waterbury.

City and state agencies said that they raided six businesses and found hundreds of presumed THC products, prescription pharmaceuticals and other violations.

“That’s not acceptance here in Waterbury,” Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski said. “We’re going to be taking strong action for it.”

Leaders said the packaging labels target children with vibrant colors and cartoon characters.

The half dozen shops are located on Walnut, North Walnut and Oak streets:

  • Mya’s Deli Grocery

  • Yellow Store

  • Up In Smoke

  • Adriel Mini Market

  • Betances Grocery Market

  • Mama’s Little Market

“A lot of these little stores were selling this stuff multiple times stronger than you could buy it if it were legal,” Pernerewski said.

Illegal products found in 2 Watertown smoke shops

Pernerewski said the city first learned about the illegal drug sales three weeks ago. Several health and zoning violations were also issued.

Police picked up untaxed and loose cigarettes, issued a number of parking tickets, and towed about 10 cars that weren’t supposed to be on the streets.

Investigators went into the shops on Tuesday, collected the products and made several arrests.

This comes after Watertown police said two local smoke shops were caught selling marijuana and THC illegally.

Watertown Police Chief Joshua Bernegger said they received complaints and were alerted after a man had a medical emergency.

“[The man] had just went to one of these smoke shops and purchased an edible containing a very high amount of THC,” Bernegger said. “And from consuming that edible, had a medical affliction that he needed to be transported to the hospital.”

The chief said police bought marijuana at the shops themselves.

The investigation is ongoing.

“I don’t think we’re going to see the end of it,” Bernegger said. “Wherever there’s a dollar to be made is going to be the problem.”

Pernerewski said parents should also be vigilant to what their children are doing.

“[Parents] need to be aware that this is out there and it’s something that they need to be looking for and concerned about,” Pernerewski said.

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