Danbury Police, DEA Team Up in Crackdown on Local Vape Shops

According to a press release from the City of Danbury, local and federal authorities recently teamed up for a major enforcement operation targeting vape shops accused of selling illegal products and allegedly selling to underage customers.

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On March 12, 2026, members of the Danbury Police Department’s Special Investigations Division worked alongside agents from the DEA Bridgeport Field Office, Brookfield Police, and several Connecticut state agencies including the Department of Consumer Protection, Department of Revenue Services, Department of Labor, and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The goal of the joint operation was to make sure local vape and smoke shops were following state laws, particularly when it comes to the sale of tobacco and THC products.

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Authorities say the investigation focused on two businesses in the city: Cali Exotic Convenience on White Street and Smoke Station, also located on White Street. The inspections were conducted after police received complaints from residents—many of them parents—who believed the shops were selling vape products and THC-related items to minors.

During compliance checks, undercover agents reportedly attempted to purchase products to see whether the businesses were following the law. According to officials, both shops failed those checks.

Investigators say a clerk at Smoke Station allegedly sold a marijuana product to an undercover DEA agent and also made an illegal sale of tobacco to an underage individual. Authorities say the shop was also found to have nearly 10 pounds of illicit THC products including flower, oils, concentrates, and edibles. During the search, officers reportedly discovered several hidden compartments in the store, including a false shelf and concealed storage areas behind shelving near the register and in a back room.

Cali Exotic Convenience also reportedly failed its compliance check. Police say a clerk there allegedly sold a marijuana product to an undercover agent as well. Investigators say they discovered roughly 14.8 pounds of illegal THC products during their inspection.

Both businesses were issued stop-work orders by the Connecticut Department of Labor for labor law violations, and state officials also determined that both locations had expired permits to sell tobacco products.

Two clerks were arrested as part of the investigation. Police identified them as Maria Luisa Anorga-Manrique and Ala Ali Abdulla Ali. Both individuals face multiple charges including possession with intent to sell more than one kilogram of cannabis and operation of a drug factory. Each was released after posting a $2,500 bond.

Officials say this case is still under investigation. Since 2024, Danbury Police say similar operations have resulted in the seizure of roughly 185 pounds of illicit THC products, thousands of dollars in cash, and multiple arrests connected to smoke shops operating in the city.