NEWS RELEASE
 For Immediate Release, January 14, 2004. 

HPD Vice and Narcotics Drug Rip and Reverse Sting Nets 52 Arrests; 28 Out-of-Towner's.

(Hartford) - On Tuesday, January 13, 2004, Detectives of the Hartford Police Department's Vice and Narcotics Division conducted a Reverse Sting Operation in the area of 88-90 Brook Street, Hartford, netting 52 arrests, 28 of which were non-Hartford residents. 

During the operation, Detectives conducted a surveillance which resulted in the arrest of two individuals for selling narcotics in the area.  HPD Vice and Narcotics Detectives then posed as drug dealers and arrested fifty (50) individuals for attempting to purchase narcotics.  Among those arrested and charged with Criminal Attempt to Possess Narcotics were residents of New Britain, Enfield, Middletown, Torrington, Newington, Glastonbury, Bloomfield, Granby, Meriden, Storrs, Coventry, East Hartford, Vernon, Manchester, Ellington, West Hartford and Windsor Locks. 

In commenting on the first "Reverse Sting" operation of 2004 by the HPD, Lt. Harold Even, Commander of Vice and Narcotics for the Hartford Police Department, stated, "We will continue to monitor this area and take enforcement action as necessary.  I cannot emphasize enough the serious risk  individuals take when coming into Hartford to buy drugs.  They should be on notice, we are watching, and when they are arrested for this activity in our neighborhoods, we will publish their names not only in Hartford newspapers, but across the state." 

Hartford Police Chief Mark Pawlina praised the work of the Vice and Narcotics Division, stating "This was an excellent job by all members of the Vice and Narcotics and the Booking Division."

Hartford Police encourage individuals to get in touch with Vice and Narcotics to report illegal drug activity so that we can take appropriate enforcement action.  Confidential tips can be directed to Lt. Harold Even, Vice and Narcotics Commander, at (860) 527-6300, extension 5288.  "We guarantee all information will be kept in the strictest of confidence," stated Lt. Even.

Attached is a listing of individuals arrested on January 14, 2004, and their charges, as part of this Reverse Sting operation.

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746

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