Two Arrested Following Investigation into Illegal Cannabis Sales at Local Vape Shop
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, members of the Special Services Division served a search warrant at A-to-Z Tobacco Vape located at 108 Connecticut Avenue. This is part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal sale of marijuana and THC products from A-to-Z Tobacco and Vape.
Investigators located several pop-top style containers of marijuana, pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, and KRATOM, a Schedule I narcotic. Investigators found a fake wall, which locked and unlocked with a remote-controlled magnet. A large amount of marijuana flower and THC cannabis products were located inside. Items seized were as follows:
-12.5 pounds of marijuana flower and THC products
-926 capsules totaling 562.6 grams of Kratom.
-8.3 ounces of Kratom in liquid form.
-$2896 U.S. Currency
This is part of ongoing investigations into smoke shops in the City of Norwalk suspected of selling cannabis and cannabis products without a valid cannabis license. Under Connecticut law, it is illegal to sell products that contain a total THC concentration greater than 0.3 % without a state-issued license, as well as to sell pure cannabis outside of a licensed dispensary.
The Norwalk Police Department remains committed to addressing the ongoing issue of retail establishments unlawfully selling cannabis products in violation of Connecticut law. Through proactive enforcement, compliance investigations, and collaboration with regulatory and prosecutorial partners, the Norwalk Police Department will continue to identify businesses that engage in illegal sales and hold those responsible accountable. These efforts aim to protect public safety, reduce underage access to cannabis products, and ensure businesses operating in the City of Norwalk comply with all applicable state laws and regulations.
Arrested: Abdo Abdulrahman Al-Areli, 35, of Bronx, NY
Charges: Sale of over 1kg of cannabis, Sale of narcotic substance, possession of over 8 oz of cannabis, possession of a controlled substance, and interfering with a police officer
Bond: $50,000
Court: October 27, 2026
Arrested: Rodney Williams, 33, of Norwalk, CT
Charges: Sale of over 1kg of cannabis, Sale of narcotic substance, possession of over 8 oz of cannabis, possession of a controlled substance
Bond: Promise to appear
Court: October 27, 2026