Enfield smoke shops shut down following multi-agency inspection

ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP) – Several smoke shops were temporarily shut down, and suspects were arrested following an administrative inspection operation in Enfield.

The Enfield Police Department stated in a news release that this operation was conducted across 16 smoke shops in town on Tuesday. Police were assisted by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control, Consumer Protection Gaming Department, Department of Labor, and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

During the inspection, the agencies had individuals under the age of 21 attempt to purchase nicotine products from smoke shops in Enfield. Two locations, Smoke Plus Mart on Elm Street and T-Ville Food Mart on Pearl Street, allegedly sold nicotine to underage individuals. The stores received citations for the violations.

Additionally, six locations were reportedly found to have violated labor law requirements. The following smoke shops have been shut down until they correct their violations:

• T-Ville Food Mart: 98 Pearl Street
• Smoke Plus Mart: 169 Elm Street
• VP Mart: 91 Raffia Road
• Zains Smoke Shop: 548 Enfield Street
• Smoke Land: 35 Enfield Street
• Tobacco House of Enfield: 2 Middle Road

The Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control also arrested multiple individuals during the operation, with the assistance of the Enfield Police Department, in connection with drug distribution charges.

• Tyler Strider, 29, of Enfield, Conn., was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.
• Ela Trehan, 22, of Agawam, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Interfering with the Police.
• Christopher Cromwell, 45, of Somers, Conn., was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.
• Brandon Snyder, 33, of Enfield, Conn., was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.

Police seized a substantial amount of THC products that were not legal for sale at the inspected smoke shops. The locations that received violations will be impacted by additional administrative actions.

Enfield Police urges anyone who has information regarding locations in town selling nicotine or drugs to underage individuals to contact the department.