New Haven Independent

Drug Busts
Branford police have made drug busts a high priority. The drug busts have also become a gift that keeps on giving through a program known as asset forfeiture.

The month began with a father-son arrest following a three-month undercover operation into allegations that the pair were operating a drug factory in the vicinity of a school. In recent weeks police have continued to make arrests relating to drug trafficking in town. On May 14, a 36-year old New Haven man was arrested after police learned of his intention to deliver drugs in the Indian Neck section of town.

Police arrested Wayne Nash of 490 Woodward Ave., New Haven, with the help of the Connecticut State Police K-9 unit. Alerted that he was in the area, police stopped his vehicle on Indian Neck Avenue and found approximately one pound of marijuana that had a street value of $2,000.

Nash was charged with possession of marijuana of more than 4 ounces, possession with 5,500 feet of a school with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operating a drug factory. He was held on $20,000 bond.

On May 19, police arrested Steven F. Streeter, 31, of 7 Meadow Place, East Haven, on a warrant stemming from a September 2008 case involving multiple drug charges.

Officer James Jackson served the warrant after investigating Streeter, who purportedly had obtained forged prescriptions. Streeter was subsequently charged with illegally obtaining or supplying prescription legend drugs, possession of narcotics, forgery 2 and criminal attempt. He faces a June 2 court date.

DUI Charge

Although not related to the drug investigation, police arrested a Branford man last week on various drug charges after a one-vehicle crash near Pent Road. Police found Ryan C. Massiello, 27, of 35 Thistle Meadow Road, in his vehicle off the road with drugs in plain view on the front seat, they said.

Police arrested Massiello for operating under the influence, driving in the wrong lane, use and possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of narcotics and possession of a controlled substance or less than 4 ounces of marijuana. He was held on a $25,000 bond and arraigned the next day.

New Wheels

Police are using vehicles and funds seized during drug busts to augment their fleet and to repair and maintain the vehicles, saving the taxpayers money, Police Chief John DeCarlo Jr. said.

In recent weeks the department has taken final custody of two vehicles from the Federal Marshal’s Office. The seizures are part of the Equitable Sharing Asset Forfeiture process, which allows local law enforcement to use the monies and vehicles seized following drug convictions. Both vehicles were taken as part of drug investigations that originated in Branford.

One of the vehicles is a 2001 Dodge 4X4 pick-up truck that has been painted and outfitted to match the patrol cars. The truck has been fitted with large amber directional lights to warn and move traffic safely around crashes and road hazards. The second vehicle, a 2000 Lincoln, will be assigned as an undercover vehicle to continue drug investigation work. Both vehicles have a total value of approximately $20,000.

“This program (Asset Forfeiture) gives our agency the ability to fight drug crimes by using the proceeds of drug dealers against themselves,” said DeCarlo.

Buckle Up, Hang Up

In other areas, the police started two campaigns, one designed to get drivers to buckle up their seat belts; the other to stop drivers from using hand-held cell phones.

By week’s end, the department’s seat belt campaign had nailed almost 100 drivers. The buckle up campaign runs through May 31 to coincide with the Memorial Day holiday, according to Police Lt. Geoffrey Morgan. As of May 27, 99 drivers had been ticketed for failure to wear their seat belts; each faces a $37 fine.

Morgan said that police are also cracking down on cell phone use in the Cedar Street-North Main Street-Alps Road matrix as part of their overall efforts to reduce accidents in that area. Morgan added that many accidents in that area are caused by inattentive drivers, such as those who are using cell phones, making illegal lane changes and following too close. Efforts are underway during high traffic times, with Saturdays being targeted. According to the police log, on Saturday May 23, police arrested 15 cell phone users between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; 11 were arrested the previous Saturday during a similar time period.

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