HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS ADVISORY

HPD Vice and Narcotics Unit Dismantles Drug Factory in City’s South End.

     (Hartford) – On Sunday, November 16, 2003, at approximately 9 a.m., detectives of the Narcotics Unit executed a Search and Seizure warrant at 30 James Street, apartment A22.  As a result of the warrant, detectives sieved 387 grams of heroin, 7 grams of crack-cocaine, $174,00 U.S. Currency, a heat sealer, two heroin stamps, packaging materials, cutting agents, a grinder and numerous heroin sleeves.  The heroin when cut and packaged for street sale would have had a street value in excess of $150,000.00.

     The accused were charged as listed below:

Joel Garcia aka “Cuba”, DOB 07-11-68, 30 James Street, A2, charged with Possession of Narcotics, PWITS Narcotics, PWITS Narcotics within 1,500’ of a School, and Operating a Drug Factory.  Charged with Possession of narcotics, PWITS Narcotics and PWITS Narcotics within 1,500’ of a School were Joel Santiago, DOB 7-18-83 of 36 Buckley Avenue, Hartford and Brenda Medina, DOB 1`2-09-76, of 90 Kibbe Street, Hartford.

     In assessing the investigation, Narcotics Unit Supervisor Sergeant Lance D. Sigersmith stated, “This investigation was successful in dismantling a drug factory in the city’s south district and will hopefully allow the residents of the immediate area enjoy a more stable environment.”  Sergeant Sigersmith praised the work of Narcotics Detectives Martinez, Johnson, Foster and Ortiz, for the successful execution of this important Search and Seizure.

      The Hartford Police Department asks for the community’s support in its investigations of illegal drug activities by calling it confidential tip hot line, 525-GUNS.  The HPD assures that all information will be kept in the strictest of confident.