EHPD, DEA, State Planet Zaza Raid Nets Massive Cannabis Haul, Arrests

Crime & Safety

EHPD, DEA, State Planet Zaza Raid Nets Massive Cannabis Haul, Arrests This is the fourth seizure of illegal and unregulated ​cannabis products from the Foxon Road shop, police said.

EAST HAVEN, CT — An investigation led by the East Haven Police Department, the DEA Task Force, and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection led to a raid at Planet Zaza, the seizure of a "large quantity" of cannabis and related products, and three arrests, authorities said.

This is the fourth seizure of illegal and unregulated cannabis products from the Foxon Road shop, police said.

After what police said were numerous complaints about the location, an investigation began and included several controlled purchases of marijuana products from the establishment. Following those buys, on Sept. 18, with a warrant in hand, searched the shop and, police said, "found a variety of THC/marijuana products openly displayed for sale, including flower, edibles, and vape products," with employees behind the counter waiting on customers.

One employee, Gallel Saidi, 28, of the Bronx, was seen "sorting packaging materials next to a large quantity of pre-packaged marijuana.," police said.

"Investigators determined that while the products were packaged to resemble items from licensed dispensaries, Planet Zaza had been purchasing professional-grade packaging materials and packaging marijuana on-site," police noted in a news release.

The sale of marijuana at unregulated shops like Planet Zaza poses a significant public safety risk, especially considering recent concerning developments at similar establishments who have found dangerous substances in marijuana products, East Haven police wrote.

According to authorities, investigators seized a "large amount of marijuana products, electronic and video surveillance equipment, and point-of-sale systems."

Two employees were taken into custody, while one was issued a misdemeanor summons and released, police said.

Saidi, who was charged with illegal manufacturing and distribution of marijuana and illegal sale of marijuana, was held on a $100,000 bond and is due in court Oct. 2.

David Abreu, 28, of the Bronx, who was charged with illegal manufacturing and distribution of marijuana and illegal sale of marijuana, was held on a $50,000 bond and is due in court Oct. 2.

Joel Infante, 18, no address given, was issued a misdemeanor summons for sale of marijuana.

"This investigation marks the fourth seizure of illegal and unregulated marijuana products from Planet Zaza," police wrote. "The East Haven Police Department will continue to collaborate with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to address this ongoing public safety issue."

In a message on Facebook, police wrote: "We urge parents to speak with their children about the dangers of purchasing and consuming marijuana from unregulated sources. While packaging may appear legitimate, products sold outside licensed dispensaries can be harmful and might contain dangerous substances."