SOUTHINGTON — A month-long investigation by the Southington Police Department into the illegal sale of vape and THC products to minors has culminated in multiple arrests and the seizure of substantial amounts of drugs and cash.
Acting on tips from the public and the Southington STEPS Coalition, the department’s Special Investigations Unit obtained and executed search warrants on May 14 at three local “smoke shops.”
The collaborative operation involved the department’s Detective and Patrol Divisions, as well as the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division.
At Puff City on Queen Street, officers seized 467 packages of THC products, totaling around 39.02 pounds of marijuana, alongside $1,412 in cash.
Cigar N Vape on North Main Street yielded 329 packages and approximately 24.2 pounds of marijuana, with $341.50 in cash.
K&M Smoke Shop on Meriden Waterbury Turnpike had 219 packages seized, amounting to 13.6 pounds of marijuana and $299.92 in cash.
Following the investigation and seizures, four arrest warrants were issued for the owners of these businesses, authorized by the New Britain Superior Court.
The individuals arrested are:
– Torun Okten, arrested on July 9, with a bond set at $30,000 and a court date of July 24 at New Britain Superior Court.
– Hasmit Kharbanda, arrested on June 25, with a bond set at $5,000 and a court date of July 15 at the same court.
– Mohamed Alwishah, arrested on June 21, with a bond set at $5,000 and a court date of July 8 at New Britain Superior Court.
– Khaled Ahmed, arrested on June 12, with a bond set at $5,000 and a court date of June 28 at New Britain Superior Court.
All four are charged with possession with intent to sell more than one kilogram of cannabis and possession of more than 8 ounces of cannabis or related product.
The Southington Police Department has expressed gratitude to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division and the West Hartford Police Department Community Support Unit for their assistance in this extensive investigation.
