Norwalk Police Execute Search Warrant at Local Vape and Tobacco Shop
On October 20, 2026, members of the Norwalk Police Department’s Special Services Division executed a search and seizure warrant at SONO Vape and Tobacco, located at 82-85 Washington Street, following an investigation into suspected illegal cannabis sales. The investigation determined that the business was selling marijuana flower and other THC-containing products without the required state-issued cannabis license.
During the execution of the search warrant, officers located multiple packages of THC gummies and marijuana flower behind the sales counter. A subsequent search of the business’s rear storage area uncovered additional quantities of marijuana flower and THC gummies packaged in plastic bags. U.S. Currency was also located in the register.
As part of the investigation, officers inspected the cigarettes on display for sale to determine whether they contained the required tax stamps. Of the more than 100 packs of cigarettes available for purchase, 50 were found to have fraudulent tax stamps.
The following items were seized during the investigation:
• Approximately 1.05 pounds of marijuana flower and THC products.
• 50 packs of cigarettes bearing fraudulent tax stamps.
• $567 in U.S. currency.
The employee present at the business, identified as Mohamed Ali Zaidan, was taken into custody. This marks Zaidan’s fourth arrest involving similar illegal marijuana sales. This was part of ongoing investigations into smoke shops throughout the City of Norwalk suspected of selling cannabis and cannabis products without the required state-issued licenses.
Under Connecticut law, the sale of products containing a total THC concentration greater than 0.3% requires a state-issued cannabis license. Additionally, the sale of cannabis outside of a licensed dispensary is prohibited.
The Norwalk Police Department remains committed to addressing the unlawful sale of cannabis and cannabis-related products by retail establishments and individuals throughout the city. Through proactive enforcement efforts, compliance investigations, and collaboration with regulatory and prosecutorial partners, the department will continue to identify businesses operating in violation of Connecticut law and hold those responsible accountable.
Arrested: Mohamed Ali Zaidan, 46, of Norwalk, CT
Charges: Possession of Fraudulent cigarette stamps, Illegal sale of untaxed cigarette tax stamps, Sale of Marijuana, and Possession of Marijuana < 8oz.
Bond: $50,000
Court: November 3, 2026