State and local officials seized approximately 55 pounds of illegal cannabis during coordinated raids on three Danbury smoke shops earlier this month, the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office announced Tuesday, April 29.

The April 4 raids, led by Attorney General William Tong and involving multiple state and local agencies, uncovered unlicensed cannabis products and violations related to drug sales, underage sales, labor law infractions, and tax evasion.

The targeted businesses included Star Rose Vape & Smoke Shop at 2-4 Mill Ridge Road, All the Smoke at 6 Ives Street, and CT Smoke House at 10 Mill Plain Road. Authorities said all three shops were found to be selling unregulated cannabis products in violation of state law.

The owner of All the Smoke, Ronnie Priar, was arrested at the scene and charged with operating a drug factory and the sale of more than one kilogram of cannabis.
“Legal cannabis is not a free-for-all. If you are unlicensed, if you sell untested, unregulated cannabis, if you sell to minors, we will know, and we will hold you accountable. We will continue to work in lock step with our law enforcement partners throughout state and local government to protect public safety,” said Attorney General Tong.
Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves praised the collaborative enforcement effort, adding that his administration is committed to enhancing public safety and cracking down on unregulated cannabis sales.

“Thank you to Attorney General Tong, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Departments of Consumer Protection, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Labor, and Revenue Services for assisting the Danbury Police Department in this mission. Restoring safety to the Danbury community and eliminating these risks to our children is my utmost priority. That's why I have added more police officers and resources to our budget year-over-year.” Alves said. “Enforcement does not stop here. I will be working with the Attorney General on strengthening our legal right to enforce penalties and further action on businesses caught selling unregulated, illegal substances in Danbury. Criminal activities are not tolerated under my administration.”

Commissioners from the Departments of Consumer Protection, Labor, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Revenue Services, and Emergency Services and Public Protection also took part in the multi-agency investigation.

Bryan Cafferelli, commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection, urged adults to consume cannabis legally and responsibly through the regulated market. Cannabis products sold outside the state’s licensed system are illegal and may contain untested or harmful substances, officials warned.

Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said the raids help ensure a fair and legal business environment. “Shutting down bad actors helps protect the workforce as well as businesses that operate above board,” Bartolomeo said.

Authorities also noted that Star Rose shares ownership with Zaza Smoke Shop 2, a business already under a stipulated judgment with the Attorney General’s Office following prior violations. Zaza paid a $25,000 civil fine in 2024 and faces a suspended $35,000 penalty if found in further violation. The Attorney General’s Office is reviewing legal options, including possible contempt proceedings in Superior Court.

Further details are being withheld due to ongoing criminal and civil investigations.

Under Connecticut law, adults 21 and older may legally possess and consume cannabis, but only licensed dispensaries may sell it. State law requires strict testing and packaging standards, and violations may lead to civil or criminal penalties.

For more information on Connecticut’s cannabis laws, visit the Department of Consumer Protection website: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp.