Norwich police: Local robbery suspect arrested by FBI for illicit gun trafficking
Norwich police announced the suspect in a head shop robbery, that happened last summer in Norwich, was recently arrested by the FBI for federal crimes. Police said he will also be sent to NY to face local charges. (Images from NPD)
NORWICH – The City of Norwich Police Department announced Friday a man had been taken into custody by federal authorities who is a suspect in an armed head shop robbery that took place on May 23, 2023 in downtown Norwich.
Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach said Varun Maharajh, 23, of Trinidad, was arrested by federal agents in Florida and would eventually be sent back to Chenango County to answer to local felony charges.
Roach said, “It is reported that Varun was taken into custody on separate federal charges on November 20, 2023, by the Indian River Sheriff’s Office in Florida, after a high-speed chase."
According to the NPD, Varun was charged under a federal indictment with several counts alleging he knowingly attempted to export firearms and ammunition to the United Kingdom, as well as illegally and unlawfully possessing numerous firearms and ammunition. Varun is currently in federal custody in Florida.
Roach said Maharajh was wanted for a daylight robbery that occurred at about 1:09 p.m. on May 23 at Holt’s Hemp Emporium at 20 South Broad Street in the City of Norwich. He said the robbery was a planned event.
According to police the suspect arrived on a motorcycle and parked outside, wearing a helmet with a shield to conceal his identity. He went into the store armed with a pistol and duct tape. He pointed a handgun at the store clerk, but as the suspect went to restrain the victim another person entered the store and interrupted the robbery, causing the suspect to flee.
The suspect sped from the scene with cash stolen from the store. The entire incident lasted about three minutes and was caught on security video.
“This was a long and complicated case,” said Roach. “The Norwich Police Department worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security (ICE), The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and numerous other agencies.”
He also said the NPD is working closely with the Chenango County District Attorney’s office on the matter, and criminal charges are expected to be filed against Varun Maharajh in the near future.
Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach said Varun Maharajh, 23, of Trinidad, was arrested by federal agents in Florida and would eventually be sent back to Chenango County to answer to local felony charges.
Roach said, “It is reported that Varun was taken into custody on separate federal charges on November 20, 2023, by the Indian River Sheriff’s Office in Florida, after a high-speed chase."
According to the NPD, Varun was charged under a federal indictment with several counts alleging he knowingly attempted to export firearms and ammunition to the United Kingdom, as well as illegally and unlawfully possessing numerous firearms and ammunition. Varun is currently in federal custody in Florida.
Roach said Maharajh was wanted for a daylight robbery that occurred at about 1:09 p.m. on May 23 at Holt’s Hemp Emporium at 20 South Broad Street in the City of Norwich. He said the robbery was a planned event.
According to police the suspect arrived on a motorcycle and parked outside, wearing a helmet with a shield to conceal his identity. He went into the store armed with a pistol and duct tape. He pointed a handgun at the store clerk, but as the suspect went to restrain the victim another person entered the store and interrupted the robbery, causing the suspect to flee.
The suspect sped from the scene with cash stolen from the store. The entire incident lasted about three minutes and was caught on security video.
“This was a long and complicated case,” said Roach. “The Norwich Police Department worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security (ICE), The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and numerous other agencies.”
He also said the NPD is working closely with the Chenango County District Attorney’s office on the matter, and criminal charges are expected to be filed against Varun Maharajh in the near future.
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