Community Corner

Stolen Electrict Service Leads to Drug Bust in Hamden

Police said a complaint regarding stolen electrical services led police to discover a growing operation.


This article first appeared on Hamden Patch.

Two Connecticut woman are facing various charges after police allegedly found about $500,000 worth of marijuana being cultivated in two locations following a theft of electric services complaint in Hamden.

The investigation began on Dec. 16, when police got a report of theft of utility services at 1680 Shepard Ave., according to Hamden Police Spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith. United Illuminating had contacted police to report that electricity was being stolen at that address, he said.

When officers got there, they found "a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the residence," Smith said. "A search warrant was submitted to the court and approved. Officers subsequently searched the residence and seized hundreds of marijuana plants. Furthermore, officers discovered a large grow operation."

The investigation then led police to a home at 220 Fans Rock Road, Smith said, which also was searched after obtaining a warrant.

"Officers discovered hundreds of marijuana plants, as well as drug paraphernalia," Smith said. "Once again, officers discovered a large grow operation."

"In total, officers seized in excess of 700 marijuana plants, as well as over $19,000 in United States currency, between both residences," Smith said. "The marijuana, which weighed over 100 pounds, has an estimated street value of $500,000."

Illeana Rivera, 51, and Meelee Rivera, 31, both of 220 Fans Rock Road, each were both charged with cultivation of marijuana over one kilogram, possession of marijuana with the intent to sell over one kilogram, possession of marijuana and operating a drug factory.

Both were held in lieu of $500,000 bond and are due to appear in Meriden Superior Court later this month.

Smith said he couldn't say how the two women were related. The investigation is continuing, he said.


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