PORTLAND, Connecticut — Three smoke shops in Portland were found to be violating the state’s tobacco and labor laws this week, according to a release from the town’s police department.
Those three businesses include King Smokers, at 204 Main St., Portland Smoke Shop, at 185 Marlborough St., and Portland Convenience, at 233 Main St.
All three shops failed the surprise inspection given by members of the Portland Police Department and agents from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Connecticut Department of Labor and Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
As a result of their violations, all three smoke shops have been closed indefinitely.
One arrest occurred at King Smokers, as employee Salman Rezq Amer, 24, of the Bronx, N.Y., was taken into custody.
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Police say he was charged with illegal sale of more than one kilogram of cannabis and possession of a controlled substance.
The report notes that inspectors discovered more than 35 pounds of marijuana and related products, as well as various amounts of synthetic mushroom gummies and Kraton, a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
Portland police pursued their investigation into King Smokers after receiving repeated complaints from community members about the illegal sales of marijuana, mushrooms and Kratom at the business.
It is reportedly the fourth time an employee of Kings Smokers has been arrested for illegal sales in the past year.
No further information was given regarding if Rezq Amer posted bond or when he will appear in court.
RELATED: 2 more Danbury smoke shops busted for selling marijuana, multiple arrests made
RELATED: Norwalk police raid R&R Convenience and Smoke shop for fifth time in a year
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Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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