Massive Hartford Drug Bust Results In 16 Arrests: Police

HARTFORD, CT — Sixteen people were arrested, and a handgun, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and other evidence were seized during a Hartford police narcotics operation last week, according to the department Monday night.

Members of the Hartford Police Department's Narcotics Unit conducted the operation Sept. 16, targeting locations police described as known narcotics hot spots and areas identified through complaints from residents.

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Police said the operation resulted in 16 arrests and the service of three outstanding arrest warrants.

Authorities reported seizing a Glock 9 mm handgun, three magazines, 10 rounds of ammunition and a ballistic vest.

Narcotics seized included 624 sleeves of fentanyl, 4 grams of unpackaged fentanyl, 129 grams of crack cocaine, 4 grams of cocaine and 5 ounces of marijuana, according to police.

Officers also seized $2,504 in cash and various narcotics packaging and materials police described as associated with drug processing and distribution.

Those arrested and the charges reported by police were:

• Carlos Cotto — possession of narcotics, possession with intent to sell, and third-degree criminal trespass.
• Jeshaia Robles — possession of narcotics and possession with intent to sell.
• Kendall Hurst — possession of narcotics and possession with intent to sell.
• Cleveland Foy — possession of narcotics and possession with intent to sell.
• Javier DeValle — possession of narcotics and third-degree criminal trespass.
• Tyrise Walton — possession of narcotics and possession with intent to sell.
• Keyonda Mccaskill-Kupe — possession of narcotics, sale of narcotics, possession with intent to sell, and third-degree criminal trespass.
• Joseph Rodriguez — possession of narcotics and possession with intent to sell.
• Felix Martinez — possession of narcotics.
• Danny Prebish — sale and possession of narcotics.
• Jaraad Simmons — possession and sale of narcotics.
• Jesus Torres — possession of narcotics and third-degree criminal trespass.
• James Lizotte — possession of narcotics and third-degree criminal trespass.
• Shawn Sprida — possession of narcotics and third-degree criminal trespass.
• Peter Dimanno — third-degree criminal trespass.
• Bruce Beckman — possession of narcotics.

The charges are allegations, and those arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Hartford police encouraged residents with information about narcotics, illegal firearms or other criminal activity to call the department's tip line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).