Hamden Police Make Major Marijuana Bust

The Hamden Police Department Street Interdiction Team concluded a sixth-month investigation into the distribution of marijuana in the area of 190 Pine Rock Avenue, as well as the southern section of town, with a major drug bust on Tuesday.

Police seized 308 grams of marijuana from the Pine Rock Ave. residence and an additional 13 pounds from a Battis Road residence, Capt. Ronald Smith said in a press release.

Aldo Cucciniello, 21, of 190 Pine Rock Avenue, Apartment 21, and Ricardo Morales, 31, of 79 Welton Street in New Haven, were arrested in the drug bust.

Smith said that investigation culminated with the search warrant being executed at 190 Pine Rock Avenue and the Hamden Police Department Emergency Services Unit, Patrol Division and Detective Division participated in the event.

Officers seized 308 grams of marijuana and $3,047, according to Smith.

Cucciniello, 21, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to sell and possession of marijuana with the intent to sell within 1500 feet of a school.

Further investigation revealed that Cucciniello had stored a larger quantity of marijuana at a Battis Road residence. Officers subsequently responded to 99 Battis Road and seized an additional 13 pounds of marijuana, according to Smith.

Cucciniello was additionally charged with possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with the intent to sell. He was detained at police headquarters on a $100,000 bond. Cucciniello is scheduled to appear in court in Meriden Superior Court on April 20.

Additionally, police arrested Morales, who was in the process of removing the 13 pounds of marijuana, prior to the arrival of Hamden Police.

Morales was charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana, conspiracy to possess marijuana with the intent to sell and interfering with a police officer. Morales, who was detained on a $100,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court in Meriden on April 20.

Pictured: Aldo Cucciniello, 21, (first photo) and Ricardo Morales, 31. Hamden Police Department photos