3 suspects arrested in connection with large marijuana haul at Planet Zaza

EAST HAVEN, CT (WFSB) – Three suspects were arrested Wednesday for possession of a significant amount of marijuana at Planet Zaza.

The East Haven Police Department, in conjunction with the DEA Task Force and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, launched an investigation into Planet Zaza, a store located at 744 Foxon Road, after receiving numerous complaints about the illegal and unlicensed sale of marijuana.

As part of their investigation, investigators carried out several controlled purchases from the company.

On September 18 at 4:30 p.m., authorities executed a search warrant for the store.

They discovered a wide variety of THC and marijuana products openly offered for sale, including flower, edibles and vape products.

During the operation, several employees were identified who were assisting customers.

Gallel Saidi, 28, of the Bronx, New York, was seen sorting materials next to a large quantity of pre-packaged marijuana.

Investigators found that the packaging of the products was similar to that of licensed dispensaries, but Planet Zaza used professional packaging materials and packaged the marijuana on-site.

The sale of marijuana in unregulated establishments like Planet Zaza poses a significant risk to public safety, especially given recent concerning incidents involving dangerous substances found in marijuana products from similar stores.

Investigators seized large quantities of marijuana products, electronic and video surveillance equipment, and cash register systems.

Two employees were arrested, one received a misdemeanor summons and was released.

Saidi and David Abrea, 28, also of the Bronx, New York, are accused of illegally manufacturing and distributing marijuana and illegally selling marijuana.

Saidi is being held on $100,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on October 2, 2024, while Abrea was released on $50,000 bail and has a court date scheduled for the same day.

Joel Infante, 18, received a summons for a misdemeanor related to the sale of marijuana.

This investigation marks Planet Zaza’s fourth seizure of illegal and unregulated marijuana products.

Police urge parents to talk to their children about the dangers of purchasing and consuming marijuana from unregulated sources.

Even if the packaging looks authentic, products sold outside of licensed pharmacies can be harmful and contain dangerous substances.

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