Crime & Safety

City Store Owner Arrested for Selling Synthetic Marijuana


A 54 year-old Stamford man was arrested on Thursday for allegedly selling synthetic marijuana to patrons at his Norwalk-based business, according to a statement released by Lieutenant James Walsh. 

John Turairaj of 146 Vine Road, the owner of Family Market at 72 Taylor Avenue, was taken into custody after Norwalk officers executed an search and seizure warrant Thursday morning. Turairaj was found behind the counter when officers entered the market and upon searching the store, they found a large amount of synthetic marijuana hidden in a compartment under the meat cooler next to the cash register, according to Walsh. Additional bags were recovered in Turairaj's vehicle along with a loaded semi-automatic pistol that was legally registered to Turairaj. A total of 184 bags were seized on Thursday in addition to 221 bags seized earlier in the investigation, Walsh said. 

Turairaj was charged with possession of a hallucinogen, illegal possession of marijuana and/or hallucinogen near a school, illegal sale and/or distribution of marijuana and/or a hallucinogen, illegal sale of marijuana and/or hallucinogen near a school and unlawful storage of a firearm. His bond was set at $100,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court on July 18. 

Walsh stated that the investigation was initiated by a citizen tip via the Norwalk Police Tip line as well as information received by other citizens. He described the synthetic marijuana that Turairaj was allegedly selling as "extremely potent," "harmful" and stated that it could have a "severe hallucinogenic effect on its users."  He added that the drug is sold under various names including, "Scooby Snax," "Cloud Nine," and "Dragon's Breath."

The department is requesting that if anyone has information on other establishments selling synthetic marijuana to contact the department's tip like at 203-854-3111. Anonymous tips could also be sent to www.norwalkpd.com or via text by typing "NPD" into the text field followed by the message and sending it to CRIMES (274637).


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