A search warrant executed Wednesday, July 29, at a Wilton convenience store resulted in the seizure of cannabis products, kratom, scales, cash and hundreds of nitrous oxide chargers, according to the Wilton Police Department.
Members of the Wilton Police Department Detective Squad, the Norwalk Police Department Special Services Unit and agents with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Cannabis Control Division searched Kenan Convenience and Cigars at 17 Danbury Rd., on Wednesday.
Police said officers located cannabis products hidden inside the store along with scales and cash. They also seized kratom products, which were recently classified as controlled substances under Connecticut law, 39 large nitrous oxide canisters, more than 400 nitrous oxide chargers and balloons. Police said the combination of nitrous oxide canisters and balloons is commonly associated with recreational inhalation.
Police arrested Kareem Mufleh Essaedi, 26, of New York City, whom they identified as an employee who was in control of the business at the time of the search. He was charged with possession of cannabis and cannabis products with intent to sell, possession with intent to sell more than one kilogram of cannabis-type substance, possession of controlled substances and sale of restricted substances.
Police said Essaedi posted 7% of a $5,000 bond and was released. He is scheduled to appear Aug. 12 in Stamford Superior Court.
In response to questions from GOOD Morning Wilton, Wilton Police confirmed Essaedi was a clerk at the store and not the owner. Police also said the investigation remains ongoing and that they could not say at this time whether additional searches, complaints or arrests may result.
The Wilton Police Department said the investigation was conducted with assistance from Norwalk police and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Cannabis Control Division as part of an effort to address the illegal sale of cannabis products and other restricted substances by unauthorized businesses.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
