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Cocaine

Trio Arrested After Lengthy CT Narcotic Task Force Investigation Trio Arrested After Lengthy CT Narcotic Task Force Investigation
Trio Arrested After Lengthy CT Narcotic Task Force Investigation Police say three men face narcotics charges after an investigation into drug trafficking in and around Manchester. Jerry Mercado, 39, of Hartford, and Yosti Vega, 45, of East Hartford, were arrested last week after investigators with the East Central Narcotics Task Force stopped their vehicle. He said officers seized fentanyl, cocaine, PCP, and cash during the stop. Mercado faces several charges. Those include possession with intent to sell a narcotic substance, possession with intent to sell one ounce or more of a narcotic substance, possession of a controlled substance, operating a drug f…
CT Man Dumped Woman's Body In Woods With Hopes Animals Would Help Dispose Of Body: Cops CT Man Dumped Woman's Body In Woods With Hopes Animals Would Help Dispose Of Body: Cops
CT Man Dumped Woman's Body In Woods With Hopes Animals Would Help Dispose Of Body: Cops A Connecticut man is facing charges after police say he admitted to hiding the body of a woman whose skeletal remains were discovered in the woods, hoping animals would dispose of her body, authorities said.  Vendetta Robinson, 44, of Plainfield, was arrested after detectives linked him to the death of Alicia Balderston, 33, who had been missing for about six months before authorities located her body about 100 feet off Lowell Davis Road in Thompson, Connecticut State Police.  Original Report: Remains Found In Thompson ID'd As Missing 33-Year-Old Woman Detectives said…
Man Gave Cocaine To CT Child He Met On Snapchat, Sexually Exploited Them, Others: DOJ Man Gave Cocaine To CT Child He Met On Snapchat, Sexually Exploited Them, Others: DOJ
Man Gave Cocaine To CT Child He Met On Snapchat, Sexually Exploited Them, Others: DOJ A 30-year-old New Jersey man is facing federal charges after investigators say he used Snapchat to exploit a child in Connecticut and gave the victim cocaine. Miguel Francisco Guzman, 30, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, has been indicted with child exploitation and drug distribution offenses, the US Attorney for Connecticut announced on Friday, Sept. 5.  Court records show Guzman began messaging a child under the age of 13 in Connecticut on Snapchat in March. He allegedly sent explicit images, solicited sexual photos, and traveled to the state to meet the child for sexual conduct. Investiga…
Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Federal Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Tampering Case Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Federal Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Tampering Case
Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Federal Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Tampering Case A father, Marine veteran, and former police chief in Pennsylvania already serving federal prison time for meth trafficking has now pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence in a case tied to missing mushrooms, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Former Greensburg Police Chief Shawn Denning pleaded guilty to three counts of tampering with evidence before Common Pleas Judge Michael Stewart, according to the DA’s office. Judge Stewart sentenced Denning to one year of probation. The case stems from a February 2023 audit of the Greensburg…
CT Drunk Driver Had 3 Kids, Beer Cans, Suspected Cocaine In Car: Police CT Drunk Driver Had 3 Kids, Beer Cans, Suspected Cocaine In Car: Police
CT Drunk Driver Had 3 Kids, Beer Cans, Suspected Cocaine In Car: Police A Waterbury man is facing serious charges after police say he was driving drunk with three young children unsecured in the back seat of his car — and no license, registration, or insurance. Lazaro Ramirez, 39, was pulled over by Naugatuck police around 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, in the parking lot of the American Motor Lodge on Waterbury Road, authorities said.  When officers approached the car, they say Ramirez admitted he had no license, registration, or insurance. Officers noticed the smell of alcohol and signs that Ramirez was impaired. He told officers he had “consumed three be…
CT Dad Overdoses While Driving With 2 Young Kids, Police Say: 'I Thought I Was Doing Coke' CT Dad Overdoses While Driving With 2 Young Kids, Police Say: 'I Thought I Was Doing Coke'
CT Dad Overdoses While Driving With 2 Young Kids, Police Say: 'I Thought I Was Doing Coke' A 38-year-old Connecticut father faces multiple charges after authorities said he suffered a drug overdose while driving with his children, ages 2 and 5, in the car. Both kids were found wandering a restaurant parking lot as he and a woman both nearly died from what is believed to be opioid-laced cocaine. Nicholas Ninteau, of Windham, was found unconscious in the driver's seat of a Ford Fusion in front of the restaurant on Boston Turnpike in Bolton around 6 p.m. on June 19, Connecticut State Police said. A woman in the passenger seat was also near death. She had no pulse and was not breathin…
Manchester Police, DEA Raid Apartment in Fentanyl, Cocaine Bust Manchester Police, DEA Raid Apartment in Fentanyl, Cocaine Bust
Manchester Police, DEA Raid Apartment in Fentanyl, Cocaine Bust Manchester police, working with federal DEA agents, executed a drug raid that led to the arrest of a local man accused of operating a drug factory and dealing dangerous narcotics, including fentanyl. The East Central Narcotics Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Regional Office carried out a series of search warrants at an apartment at 88-7 Oak Street in Manchester.  The focus of the investigation was Derrick Lee, a 25-year-old from Manchester, authorities said. Inside the apartment, investigators uncovered a stash of illegal drugs — 10 grams of raw fentanyl …
Man Who Ran 'Drug Factory' Out Of His CT Home Cuffed After Months-Long Investigation: Police Man Who Ran 'Drug Factory' Out Of His CT Home Cuffed After Months-Long Investigation: Police
Man Who Ran 'Drug Factory' Out Of His CT Home Cuffed After Months-Long Investigation: Police A 62-year-old man was arrested this week after a multi-jurisdictional task force arrested him for allegedly selling cocaine out of his Connecticut home, authorities said.  Daniel P. Moriarty, of Vernon, was charged with operating a drug factory, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, officials said.  The East Central Narcotics Task Force raided Moriarty's home on Tuesday after months of investigating. They found 120 grams of cocaine, a "variety of materials" used to manufacture and distribute drugs, and $25,000 …
Jackson Man Arrested In Toms River Murder Hours After Cops Responded To Home For Stabbing Jackson Man Arrested In Toms River Murder Hours After Cops Responded To Home For Stabbing
Jackson Man Arrested In Toms River Murder Hours After Cops Responded To Home For Stabbing A Jackson Township man was arrested and charged after two people were stabbed — one fatally — during a violent early morning altercation at a Toms River home, officials said. Steven McNeill, 32, was charged with Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, and Eluding, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer The attack happened on Friday, May 9, around 7:20 a.m., when Toms River Police responded to a 911 call about an altercation on Adams Avenue. The call was made …
Elderly CT Woman Busted Again Selling Drugs Near School, Just Days After 1st Arrest: Cops Elderly CT Woman Busted Again Selling Drugs Near School, Just Days After 1st Arrest: Cops
Elderly CT Woman Busted Again Selling Drugs Near School, Just Days After 1st Arrest: Cops A Danbury woman is back in jail after police say she resumed selling drugs from her apartment, located just steps from a school — only days after being released on similar charges. Vera Ribeiro-Menezes, 70, of Danbury, was arrested on Tuesday, April 15, after police served multiple search warrants at her Foster Street home, authorities said.  Police were familiar with the property that's within walking distance of Head Start of Northern Fairfield County and Saint Peter School.  Just 11 days earlier, detectives had raided the same apartment on April 4 and arrested Ribeiro-Menezes …
Murder For Hire: CT Man Tried To Enlist Hitman Over 'Disrepect' In Major Drug Case, Feds Say Murder For Hire: CT Man Tried To Enlist Hitman Over 'Disrepect' In Major Drug Case, Feds Say
Murder For Hire: CT Man Tried To Enlist Hitman Over 'Disrepect' In Major Drug Case, Feds Say A Connecticut man is facing serious federal charges after authorities say he trafficked large amounts of deadly drugs into Vermont and tried to hire someone to commit murder, authorities said.  Tremaine Knight, 43, also known as “Brody,” of Hartford, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of murder-for-hire and distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine, the US Attorney for Rhode Island said. Federal investigators say Knight sold drugs during five undercover buys between February and March, including two deals in Brattleboro, Vermont. He allegedly brought drugs from …
Duffle Bag Full Of Guns, Drugs Linked To CT Man: Police Duffle Bag Full Of Guns, Drugs Linked To CT Man: Police
Duffle Bag Full Of Guns, Drugs Linked To CT Man: Police Police have linked a Connecticut man to a duffel bag containing drugs and firearms found in an abandoned apartment building last year, authorities said. Geoffrey Feliciano, 37, of Ansonia, faces multiple felony charges, police said. Ansonia officers responded to a call at an abandoned building in the 200 block of Main Street after someone discovered a duffel bag filled with cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, meth, tramadol, ecstasy, and drug packaging material, police said. They also recovered seven guns, one of which had been reported stolen in Trumbull in 2003. Feliciano was arrested on March…
Comedy Of Errors: CT Felon Asleep At Wheel Drops Gun During Drug Bust, Failed Escape, Cops Say Comedy Of Errors: CT Felon Asleep At Wheel Drops Gun During Drug Bust, Failed Escape, Cops Say
Comedy Of Errors: CT Felon Asleep At Wheel Drops Gun During Drug Bust, Failed Escape, Cops Say It’s been a rough week for a Connecticut felon who is facing a long list of charges after police say he backed into one cruiser, crashed into another, ran from officers, and dropped a gun on the street during a wild early-morning drug arrest. Nathan Araujo, 36, of Naugatuck, was found asleep behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette that was still in drive at the Schoolhouse Road and Bridgeport Avenue intersection in Milford around 1 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, police said. A 911 caller told police there was a man passed out in a car. When officers tried to wake him and asked him to put the v…
CT Woman’s Overdose Death Leads To Drug Bust: Police CT Woman’s Overdose Death Leads To Drug Bust: Police
CT Woman’s Overdose Death Leads To Drug Bust: Police A 28-year-old woman was found dead at the Super 8 Motel earlier this month in what police believe is a drug-related overdose. Milford officers responded after a man called to report the woman was unresponsive at the on Boston Post Road motel in Milford. He told police she had taken narcotics the night before and may have overdosed, police said.  Milford police said they found “white long pill shaped bars consistent with Xanax, numerous containers of unlabeled pills, and a box of a powdered white substance resembling crack cocaine” among her belonging. The Office of the Chief Medical Ex…
New Crime Fighting Unit Scores Major Bust On 1st Day Of Operation In CT New Crime Fighting Unit Scores Major Bust On 1st Day Of Operation In CT
New Crime Fighting Unit Scores Major Bust On 1st Day Of Operation In CT A new crime-fighting team wasted no time making an impact.  On its first shift, Bristol's Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) arrested a New Britain man allegedly carrying cocaine, over three pounds of marijuana, and cash linked to drug sales, authorities said.  Coron Burrell, 26, was taken into custody after CSU officers spotted him driving a vehicle that had previously refused to stop for police in a previous attempted bust. During the stop, officers found 3.3 pounds of marijuana packaged for sale, 1.8 grams of cocaine, and over $700 in cash. Police estimate the marijuana’s street valu…
Drug Raid Turns Up Heroin, Cocaine, Loaded Gun In CT, Police Say Drug Raid Turns Up Heroin, Cocaine, Loaded Gun In CT, Police Say
Drug Raid Turns Up Heroin, Cocaine, Loaded Gun In CT, Police Say Two men including an ex-convict were arrested following a major drug investigation that turned up heroin, crack coaine, a significant amount of cash, weapons, and more in Connecticut, police said. Specialized Waterbury officers were patrolling Oak and Howard streets around noon on Feb. 4, when they spotted Riyadh Easley, 33, of Waterbury operating a 2008 Honda Ridgeline, Lt. Ryan Bessette said. At the time, Easley had an active arrest warrant. During further investigation, officers saw Easley exit his vehicle and get into the passenger seat of an unregistered Infiniti QX60. Offic…
Man Accused Of Making Violent Threats Against Trump Man Accused Of Making Violent Threats Against Trump
Man Accused Of Making Violent Threats Against Trump A man accused of threatening to kill President Trump has been apprehended following a tip to federal authorities. The investigation began on Inauguration Day on Monday, Jan. 20, after a tip to the FBI National Threat Operations Center reported violent online posts targeting the former president.  Federal agents traced the posts to Shannon Depararro Atkins, age 46, of West Palm Beach, Florida, near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. Atkins was arrested just before 7:30 p.m.  Friday, Jan. 24 near his home after being pulled over in a white 2013 BMW 750Li, said Public Informat…
CT Man Crashes Into Cop Cars In Failed Attempt To Escape Drugs Arrest: Police CT Man Crashes Into Cop Cars In Failed Attempt To Escape Drugs Arrest: Police
CT Man Crashes Into Cop Cars In Failed Attempt To Escape Drugs Arrest: Police A 26-year-old Connecticut man turned what should have been a routine traffic stop into a mountain of felony charges earlier this week after allegedly crashing into multiple police cars while carrying a large amount of drugs, authorities said. Vincent Simmons, of Waterbury, was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and is now facing multiple drug-related and traffic charges, police said. Officers patrolling Baldwin Street spotted Simmons sitting in a running vehicle with several visible violations, authorities said. When they approached to speak with him, Simmons allegedly threw the car into rever…
Driver Asleep In Car At CT School Found With Cocaine, Police Say Driver Asleep In Car At CT School Found With Cocaine, Police Say
Driver Asleep In Car At CT School Found With Cocaine, Police Say A Danbury man is facing charges of drug possession and use of paraphernalia after police say they found him asleep in his car at a Darien school with cocaine and other drug-related items, police said. The incident happened early on Jan. 2, at Hindley School, located at 10 Nearwater Lane, Darien police said. Around 2:30 a.m., officers were checking on a suspicious vehicle parked at the school when they found Jonathan Havanick, 27, asleep inside, police said. According to authorities, officers noticed glassine bags with white powder residue, commonly used for narcotics packaging, in the drive…
'This Was An Execution': Killer Learns His Fate In Murder Of CT Barber 'This Was An Execution': Killer Learns His Fate In Murder Of CT Barber
'This Was An Execution': Killer Learns His Fate In Murder Of CT Barber A Connecticut man who gunned down a barber and wounded his assistant in 2020 will never spend a day outside of a prison, a judge ruled this week. Tavares Jefferson, 47, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to 90 years in prison two months after a jury convicted him of multiple charges, including murder, first-degree assault, and weapons violations, the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice said Thursday, Dec. 12. The violent incident, which shocked the community, took place on Oct. 2, 2020, when Jefferson walked into a Bridgeport barbershop and shot 40-year-old Jamain Allen six times, killing th…
Low Prices, High Buyers: Police Bust Drug Ring Run Out Of CT Car Dealership, Feds Say Low Prices, High Buyers: Police Bust Drug Ring Run Out Of CT Car Dealership, Feds Say
Low Prices, High Buyers: Police Bust Drug Ring Run Out Of CT Car Dealership, Feds Say A federal investigation dismantled a drug trafficking operation allegedly run out of a Connecticut car dealership, leading to the arrest of 13 people on narcotics distribution charges, authorities said.  Investigators seized more than 10 pounds of cocaine, over 200 grams of fentanyl, 30 grams of heroin, seven firearms, $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles during searches of the Supreme Automotive dealership in New Britain and locations linked to those arrested, said the United States District Attorney for Connecticut.  The investigation, led by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Tas…
Patriots Safety Jabrill Peppers Arrested On Assault, Strangulation, Drug Charges: Report Patriots Safety Jabrill Peppers Arrested On Assault, Strangulation, Drug Charges: Report
Patriots Safety Jabrill Peppers Arrested On Assault, Strangulation, Drug Charges: Report Details have been released in the arrest of Jabrill Peppers. A victim in Braintree, MA, told police Saturday, Oct. 5 that the 29-year-old New England Patriots safety became upset when someone called her phone while they were having sex, NBC10 says citing a police report. Peppers, a New Jersey native and four-time state high school football champion, smashed her head against the wall, pushed her down the stairs, and choked her at least six times, NBC10 said. Citing court paperwork, CBS said the athlete answered the door without a shirt on saying, "I know what is going on." He…
CT Man Caught Snorting Cocaine In Car: Police CT Man Caught Snorting Cocaine In Car: Police
CT Man Caught Snorting Cocaine In Car: Police A 32-year-old Connecticut man was apprehended after authorities caught him snorting cocaine inside a vehicle in the Hudson Valley, police announced.  The arrest was made on Monday, Aug. 26 just before 3 p.m., when a man was seen snorting a white powdered substance while sitting in the driver's seat of a car in the Putnam County town of Southeast, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said on Monday, Sept. 30. According to the Sheriff's Office, the man's vehicle was found to have a Virginia license plate that expired in 2016. A search of his car undertaken by members of the Sheriff's Offic…
Drug Dealer From CT Nabbed After Fatal Overdose Gets Prison Time Drug Dealer From CT Nabbed After Fatal Overdose Gets Prison Time
Drug Dealer From CT Nabbed After Fatal Overdose Gets Prison Time A 30-year-old Connecticut man will spend several years in prison after he was caught selling a deadly heroin and fentanyl mixture following a fatal overdose in the Hudson Valley. New Haven County resident Brandon Gatling of Waterbury will serve six years in state prison after admitting to selling narcotics in Putnam County, Putnam County District Attorney Robert Tendy announced on Thursday, Sept. 12.  According to Tendy's office, Gatling was arrested on June 14, 2023, following an investigation into a fatal overdose conducted by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Enforce…
Ex-CT Prison Guard Who Smuggled In Drugs For Inmate Sentenced To 5 Years Ex-CT Prison Guard Who Smuggled In Drugs For Inmate Sentenced To 5 Years
Ex-CT Prison Guard Who Smuggled In Drugs For Inmate Sentenced To 5 Years A former prison guard who was caught bringing drugs into a Connecticut prison for an inmate will join them on the other side of the bars, authorities said.  New Haven County resident, Nicholas Kosa, age 29, of Cheshire, was sentenced to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to the charge of sale or possession with intent to sell a controlled substance, Connecticut authorities said. His sentence will be suspended after three years. Kosa worked as a prison guard at New Haven Correctional Center at 245 Whalley Ave. Administers became suspicious that he was bringing drugs …
One Of CT's Largest Fentanyl Dealers Busted With 7 Kilograms, Police Say One Of CT's Largest Fentanyl Dealers Busted With 7 Kilograms, Police Say
One Of CT's Largest Fentanyl Dealers Busted With 7 Kilograms, Police Say One of the most significant alleged dealers in Connecticut was busted with more than seven kilograms of fentanyl following an investigation into drug sales in the city.  Miguel “Cuba” Rodriguez-Veloz, age 60, of Stamford, was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 29, during a state-level search warrant on his Liberty Street apartment by the department's Narcotics & Organized Crime Unit. According to Stamford Police Assistant Chief Richard Conklin, Rodriguez-Veloz was taken into custody as he left his apartment, where he was found with 1.2 grams of cocaine, 2.9 grams of crack cocaine, an…
Duo Accused Of Drug Sales, Running Gambling Machines At Norwalk Store Duo Accused Of Drug Sales, Running Gambling Machines At Norwalk Store
Duo Accused Of Drug Sales, Running Gambling Machines At Norwalk Store Two Fairfield County men were busted for allegedly selling cocaine and running gaming machines out of a liquor store. The arrests occurred in Norwalk on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Cocchia’s Liquor Store at 23 Ely Ave.  According to Sgt. Ryan Evarts of the Norwalk Police Department, the department received information that a man named "Felix" was selling large quantities of cocaine from the store. An investigation involving controlled purchases of cocaine was conducted, and “Felix” was identified as Felix Galindo-Castillo, aka Cocchie, age 48, of Norwalk, Evarts said. Evarts said…
Man Charged With DUI For Fatal Head-On Crash In CT, Police Say Man Charged With DUI For Fatal Head-On Crash In CT, Police Say
Man Charged With DUI For Fatal Head-On Crash In CT, Police Say A 25-year-old man has turned himself in nearly a year after he allegedly drove under the influence, crossing the double-yellow lines on a highway and crashing head-on into another car. Isiah Turner was arrested on Monday, June 24 for the Litchfield County incident, Connecticut State Police said. The 25-year-old was driving a Dodge Dakota eastbound on Route 6 in Woodbury just after 10 a.m. when he reportedly crossed over the yellow lines, crashing headfirst into a Subaru Baja traveling west. Original Report - Fatal Head-On Crash: 56-Year-Old CT Man ID'd As Victim Robert C. Gardner…
Man Charged With Drug Sales After Months-Long Danbury Investigation Man Charged With Drug Sales After Months-Long Danbury Investigation
Man Charged With Drug Sales After Months-Long Danbury Investigation A Fairfield County man was charged with alleged illegal drug sales after complaints from residents led to a months-long investigation. Arpit Soni, age 28, of Danbury, was arrested on Thursday, June 6, following an investigation by the Danbury Police, Brookfield Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. According to Erin Henry of the Danbury Police, detectives had received complaints from concerned citizens about illegal drug sales by Soni, who was the target of the investigation.  Detectives had court-authorized search warrants for Soni's person, car, and home. Detect…
24-Year-Old Accused Of Operating Drug Factory In Danbury After Residents Complaints 24-Year-Old Accused Of Operating Drug Factory In Danbury After Residents Complaints
24-Year-Old Accused Of Operating Drug Factory In Danbury After Residents Complaints Complaints from residents of drug dealing led to a several months investigation and the arrest of a Fairfield County man for operating a drug factory. Dakota Lancey, age 24, of Danbury, was charged on Thursday, May 30, by the Danbury Police Department's Special Investigations Division. According to Erin Henry, spokesperson for the Danbury Police, detectives executed several search warrants following a several-month investigation into illegal drug sales throughout the city of Danbury.  Detectives had received complaints from concerned citizens about illegal drug sales by…