A vape shop owner in Norwalk has been cited under a new ordinance passed earlier this year designed to crack down on shops that illegally sell marijuana without a license.
Almonthir A. Alraishani, 26, of the Bronx, New York was the first owner to be cited under the new ordinance, Lt. Tomasz Podgorski of the Norwalk Police Department said in a statement Wednesday.
He was issued a $250 infraction after a search carried out on Sept. 16 at R&R Convenience and Smoke at 213 Main St. allegedly turned up about 1.5 pounds of cannabis products including pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, containers and bags filled with marijuana and THC edibles, according to Podgorski, who previously noted that a majority of the items were allegedly found inside a hidden trap door. Investigators also allegedly found and seized several bottles of nitrous oxide, which is sometimes abused by being inhaled.
Podgorski said the search of R&R last month marked the fifth time investigators have conducted a raid there and arrested someone since 2024.
The ordinance passed earlier this year allows for a $250 fine to be issued for the first violation of a vape shop found to be in breach of the city’s code. Violations include illegally selling cannabis products without a license and selling vape products to individuals under 21, among others.
The ordinance allows city officials to suspend a retailer’s license for six months if a second violation occurs within a year of the first. A third violation within two years can lead to a license being revoked.
“The Norwalk Police Department remains committed to addressing illegal vape sales and unlicensed cannabis product distribution,” Podgorski said in a statement. “Our officers will continue proactive enforcement operations targeting illegals sales and unlicensed establishments throughout the city. This new ordinance provides an important tool to support enforcement efforts and enhance public safety.”
According to the state Department of Consumer Protection, R&R’s Electronic Cigarette Dealer registration was suspended in August 2025 following what was at that time the fourth raid there since December 2024. During each inspection, the department wrote, police “seized hundreds of illegal cannabis products.”
Following last month’s raid, Podgorski said the vape shop’s license was suspended “pending review.”
