3 Bridgeport Smoke Shops Ordered To Close Following Police Raids

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Three Bridgeport smoke shops have been ordered to close until further notice, following raids by Bridgeport police last week in which illegal narcotics were seized. In addition to the closures, two people were arrested on narcotics charges, according to authorities.

The shuttered shops are Dubai High, 51 Boston Ave.; Raads Smoke Shop, 774 Boston Ave.; and Moralez Market, 847 Kossuth St.

In addition to the Bridgeport Police Narcotic and Vice Division, the other agencies that conducted the coordinated compliance inspections were the state's Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division; Revenue; Health and Addiction; and Department of Labor.

All three businesses were ordered to close by the labor department, and police and state investigations into the businesses are continuing.

"These establishments were registered as Smoke Shops or designated locations for the sale of Smoke Shop-related products," wrote Bridgeport Police Sgt. Paul Scillia in a post on Facebook. "This joint operation aimed to ensure adherence to state regulations and protect community well-being. During these inspections, authorities visited multiple establishments and identified a range of violations. Enforcement actions were promptly taken in accordance with the law."

At Dubai High, police seized 135 pounds worth of items as evidence that contained Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the hallucinogenic compound in marijuana, which is illegal to sell in Connecticut without a state permit.

Police seized 15.86 pounds of products that contained THC at Raads Smoke Shop, and also seized $3,000 in cash. In addition to the seizure, the lone clerk at the store was also arrested.

Amr Kaid Alsaidi, 34, was taken into custody on charges of:

• Sales of a Controlled Substance not Narcotic/ Hallucinogen
• Possession of Cannabis

At Moralez Market, police seized .06 pounds worth of items containing THC, as well as $1,241 in cash, and other narcotic materials, residue, and specific types of scales.

Arrested was Jenny Francisca Salcedo, the shop's owner, on charges of

• Operation of a Drug Factory
• Possession with Intent to Sell/ Dispense Narcotics
• Possession of Cannabis

Both Alsaidi and Salcedo were released on promises to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Nov. 25.

"The Bridgeport Police Department, together with its state partners, remains committed to ensuring the safety of the community and upholding the laws of Connecticut," Scillia said. "Further updates will be provided as the investigations progress."

Bridgeport police urge people who have information about narcotics violations to contact the department's Narcotic Tips Line at 203-576-7903.