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NORWALK, Conn. – The 54-year-old owner of a small Norwalk market was arrested on narcotics charges in connection with the sale of a high grade of hallucinogenic synthetic marijuana, police said.
Members of the department’s Special Services Division raided the Family Market on Taylor Avenue on Thursday morning where they seized 184 brightly colored bags of the synthetic pot, with brand names such as “Scooby Snax,” “Mr. Happy,” “Head Trip,” “Cloud Nine” and “Dragon’s Breath.”
Police said the synthetic marijuana was “extremely potent” and “causes a severe hallucinogenic effect on its users.”
The store’s owner, John Thurairaj, of Vine Road in Stamford, was arrested at the scene. He was behind the counter at the time of the raid. In a previous raid of the store, police seized 221 bags of synthetic marijuana, according to Lt. Jim Walsh.
He was charged with possession of a hallucinogen, illegal possession of marijuana and/or hallucinogen near a school, illegal sale and distribution of marijuana and/or hallucinogen, illegal sale of marijuana and hallucinogen near a school.
Police also seized $12,000 in cash, which they believe was revenue from the sales, and two handguns, which Thurairaj had a permit to carry. One gun was found behind the counter, and the other was found in Thurairaj’s unlocked vehicle, which led to an additional charge of unlawful storage of a firearm.
Thurairaj was held on a $100,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on Friday. His gun permit was sent to the state weapons review board to determine if he will be allowed to keep it.
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