Attorney General William Tong announced that Planet Zaza, a store in East Haven, and its owner, Mohamed Alraishani, have been ordered to pay $4.93 million. This penalty is due to their illegal sale of cannabis, despite a court order to stop and several visits from law enforcement. This is the largest fine ever given in Connecticut for illegal cannabis sales, highlighting the seriousness of their actions.
William Tong emphasized that Connecticut takes cannabis laws seriously and that only licensed businesses can sell cannabis. He warned that those who sell untested and unregulated cannabis will be held accountable.
Bryan T. Cafferelli from the Department of Consumer Protection reminded adults to buy cannabis only from licensed stores and to use and store it safely. He thanked the Attorney General's Office and the East Haven Police for their efforts to keep communities safe.
The Attorney General first took legal action against Planet Zaza and Mohamed Alraishani in January 2024. Inspections found that they were selling high-potency cannabis edibles and using fake labels to pretend they were a licensed dispensary. These products were not made or tested legally and were packaged in ways that could appeal to young people.
Even after being sued, Planet Zaza continued its illegal sales. In November 2024, a judge ordered them to stop, but they ignored this order. The Attorney General's Office asked for fines of $5,000 per day for each day they broke the law. Because of the seriousness of their actions, the court decided on a total fine of $4.93 million.
In Connecticut, people over 21 can use cannabis, but it must be bought from licensed stores and meet strict testing and packaging rules. Despite these laws, illegal sales of cannabis products still happen. Police often find illegal cannabis products being sold, including untested and unsafe items.
This case marks the largest fine against a store for illegal cannabis sales, but it's not the first. Attorney General Tong has previously secured $300,000 in fines against other retailers and wholesalers.
Recent changes to cannabis laws mean that anyone selling cannabis without a license could face fines of up to $30,000 per day.
Assistant Attorneys General Addison Keilty and Michael Nunes, along with Deputy Associate Attorney General Michael Wertheimer, helped with this case.