NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Sunday, February 22, 2004

HPD LIQUOR INSPECTIONS AT SOUTH END BARS NET SIX (6); SEIZURE OF  SMITH & WESSON 9 MM HANDGUN.

(Hartford) - On Friday, February 20, 2004, at approximately 11 p.m., Officers of the Hartford Police Department South District, along with Detectives of the HPD's Vice and Narcotics Division, conducted random liquor law violation inspections at three Southend bar establishments that resulted in the seizure of a Smith and Wesson 9mm Hand Gun, a Bullet Proof Vest, and the arrest of six (6) individuals; five (5) on various liquor law violations and one individual on numerous narcotics charges.  See attached listing of arrestees.

The liquor violation inspections were conducted at three locations in the Southend:  the Paradise Cafe, 442 New Britain Avenue; the Al Pine Cafe Bar & Grill, 99 Franklin Avenue; and the Pit Stop Bar & Grill, 151 Meadow Street, Hartford.  

Luis Duprey, DOB 8-13-70, of 15 Hamilton Street, First Floor, Hartford, was arrested at the Paradise Cafe and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Restricted Substance, Operating a Drug Factory, and Interfering with Police.  The Smith and Wesson 9mm Handgun and Bullet Proof Vest were recovered at this location.  The HPD's Investigative Services Bureau have launched an on-going investigation related to the seizure of these items.

In commenting on the liquor law violation enforcement operation, Acting Hartford Police Chief Mark Pawlina stated, "These inspections were conducted in direct response to complaints from the community concerning illegal activity at these liquor establishments.  This collaborative effort, of information on illegal activities flowing between the community and the HPD, is paying off.  Every time we seize a gun or shut down a Drug Factory through enforcement efforts based on information from the community, we are making our streets and neighborhoods safer.  Citizens can be assured that the HPD appreciates their support and partnership, and that we will  continue to be responsive to the excellent information we are receiving from them in our enforcement efforts."

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
Visit www.hartford.gov for more Hartford Police News.
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