Search of CT apartment allegedly being used as ‘drug factory’ leads to three arrests
Three people were arrested on drug charges on Wednesday after state and local authorities searched an apartment in Waterbury and allegedly found evidence suggesting it was being used as a drug factory.
The search stemmed from an investigation that was launched after police received "numerous recent complaints about drug activity" in the areas of West Main Street, Judd Street and French Street, according to Lt Ryan Bessette of the Waterbury Police Department .
Bessette said the investigation was handled by the department's VICE and Intelligence Unit and led to authorities identifying suspects who were allegedly selling narcotics from an apartment at 450 West Main St. A search of the second-floor apartment was carried out Wednesday by Waterbury's Gang Task Force and the VICE and Intelligence Unit as well as the Connecticut State Police Violent Crimes Task Force.
According to Bessette, authorities allegedly found and seized an unspecified amount of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and $1,365.
Three people were arrested following the search, including 39-year-old Richard Valentin, who was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a drug factory. He was held on a $65,000 bond and was expected to be arraigned in Waterbury Superior Court on Thursday.
According to Bessette, Valentin has prior firearm-related convictions stemming from New York and Florida. He was also arrested earlier this year by Waterbury police at the same apartment and charged with narcotics offenses, Bessette said.
Angel L. Valentin, 36, was also arrested and faces charges of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a drug factory and tampering with evidence. He was held on a $75,000 bond and was also expected to face a judge on Thursday.
Bessette said Angel Valentin has a lengthy criminal history that includes robbery and gang-related assault charges in New York.
Following the search, 58-year-old Roslynn Morris was also arrested and charged with possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was held on a $5,000 bond and was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. Bessette said she has a history of larceny charges and was found to have a warrant out for her arrest on trespassing and larceny charges.
"The Waterbury Police Department will continue to address drug activity in the community and work closely with state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of residents," Bessette said in a statement.
Anyone with information about illegal drug or firearm activity has been asked to contact the Waterbury Vice and Intelligence Division at 203-574-6904 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 203-755-1234.
