09/19/2024
Good evening Alders,
I would like to highlight as significant arrest made today in the 500 block of Whalley Ave. A few weeks ago I was alerted by Alder Furlow regarding activity in the 500 block of Whalley Ave, this area is known for significant quality of life issues (loitering, public drinking and narcotic use). One of the businesses, Th3 Factory Smoke shop, 545 Whalley Ave, was known to be a business that contributed negatively to these quality of life issues.
Through coordination with local city agencies and state agencies I was able to schedule an inspection today at the above location with the state agency that deals with E-ci******es and licensing due to a lapse in the business certification. Myself, a few of my officers and the state inspectors went to the location to conduct the inspection. The inspectors have the ability to inspect the entire contents of the store and during their inspection they uncovered a large quantity of ma*****na vacuum packed which appeared packaged for sale. I was present during this discovery and reached out to Lt Werner (Head of the plain clothes division of NHPD). Sergeant Macuirzynski and several plain clothes officers arrived on scene. The DEA task force officer assigned to the NHPD also arrived scene.
A more comprehensive search was conducted by Police personnel, what was located in addition to the packaged ma*****na was a large quantity of Ecstasy Pills (potentially in excess of over 1000 pills). Subsequently the owner was arrested, and charged accordingly. This was a significant arrest for an area plagued by the above mentioned issues.
This arrest was also an example of great partnerships established between elected city officials, the police department, the state of Connecticut and our federal partners. Our plain clothes units, supervisors of the units and Task force Officer were vital in their assistance with this investigation.
Thank you,
Sgt Lambe