Seven people have been charged in connection with an alleged drug trafficking scheme after searches at a Waterbury hardware store and two homes allegedly resulted in the finding of more than 240 bags of heroin and fentanyl, 16 grams of heroin and nearly $10,000 in cash, according to the Waterbury Police Department.
On Monday, police arrested Carlos Baez and Carol Baez, both from Waterbury, at CB Appliance Repairs and Sales at 350 Baldwin St. after “a comprehensive drug trafficking investigation” by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the City’s Vice and Intelligence Department police.
Carlos Baez, 40, who owns the equipment store, was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of half an ounce or more of cocaine, operation of a drug factory, double possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. criminal possession of body armor and criminal possession of a firearm or ammunition, police said.
Investigators searched the equipment store and found a loaded 9mm handgun that was allegedly thrown out a window by someone in the store, police said. They also allegedly found narcotics and drug paraphernalia throughout the store.
While in the store, investigators stumbled upon four other people who were later charged with various narcotics and firearms-related crimes, police said.
Investigators also searched the home of Carlos Baez, on the third floor of a Bronson Street building, where they allegedly found more than $8,000 in cash, body armor, ammunition, various amounts of narcotics, drug packaging materials and a kilogram press the police with.
At Carol Baez’s home on North Elm Street, investigators allegedly found more drug paraphernalia and a loaded 9mm handgun, police said.
Carol Baez, 38, was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of half an ounce or more of cocaine, operation of a drug factory, failure to declare a high capacity magazine, three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to do so charged with doing sale and illegal sale or transfer of a firearm.
In all, investigators allegedly found 240 bags of heroin and fentanyl, 16.3 grams of raw heroin, 117.8 grams of cocaine, a bulletproof vest, two loaded handguns and nearly $10,000 in connection with the searches, police said.
Emanuel Figueroa, 35, was charged with possessing narcotics with intent to sell, possessing half an ounce or more of cocaine, operating a drug factory, disrupting an officer, tampering with evidence, two counts of undeclaring high-capacity magazines. criminal possession of a pistol or revolver, possession of an assault weapon, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
Jose Pabon was charged with two counts of possessing narcotics for sale, possessing half an ounce or more of cocaine, operating a drug factory and possessing a controlled substance for sale. He was also served with an additional warrant for his arrest during his time with the police department, police said.
Police also charged Maria Baez, Juan Rivera and Luis Pacheco with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of half an ounce or more of cocaine, operating a drug factory and two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
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https://www.courant.com/2023/02/15/searches-of-waterbury-appliance-store-apartments-lead-to-7-arrests-in-alleged-drug-trafficking-scheme/
