North Canaan Smoke Shop Owner Mohammad Rahman Arrested Following Massive Unlicensed Cannabis Seizure

Mohammad Rahman, owner of Smoker’s Choice, arrested for allegedly selling over 5 pounds of illegal cannabis and operating a drug factory in North Canaan.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 11:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Lakeville Journal

Enforcement Action Against Unlicensed Retail Operations

The owner of a North Canaan smoke shop has been taken into judicial custody following a multi-month investigation into the illegal sale of cannabis products. Mohammad Rahman was arrested on March 11 after authorities executed a warrant linked to his business, Smoker’s Choice. According to Resident Trooper Spencer Bronson, the enforcement effort was a direct response to intelligence suggesting the establishment was operating as a retail point for recreational marijuana despite lacking the mandatory state licensing required for such transactions.

Significant Recovery of High-THC Merchandise

The investigation reached a critical point following an unannounced search of the East Main Street premises on January 16. According to the arrest warrant, law enforcement officers seized more than five pounds of various cannabis products, including flower, vapes, and edibles. Laboratory analysis confirmed that many of these items contained THC concentrations that significantly exceeded the legal limits allowed for unlicensed businesses in Connecticut. The sheer volume of the seizure, totaling over one kilogram, served as the primary basis for the subsequent felony charges.

Community Complaints and Public Safety Concerns

Local residents reportedly played a significant role in triggering the investigation by filing formal complaints with the Resident Trooper’s office. According to town officials, neighbors expressed concern not only regarding the illegal nature of the merchandise but also about a perceived lack of adequate age verification for customers. These reports of "high THC" products being accessible to the public without regulatory oversight prompted the January search and the long-term surveillance that ultimately led to Rahman’s detention.