11-Pound Pot Stash Intercepted in Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — A regional drug task force has intercepted an 11-pound pot stash that made its way from the West Coast to Manchester.

According to a news release, on Thursday, members of the East Central Narcotics Task Force received a tip about two people receiving a large package of marijuana from California. The package was sent to a Manchester address, according to a news release.

The homeowner had no knowledge a package was to be delivered, according to a news release.

Police tracked down the two who scooped up the package and stopped the vehicle when it was leaving the scene, according to a news release.

The pot weighed more than 11 pounds with a street value of more than $50,000, police said.

Arrested were Michael Williams and Catherine Cooney.

Cooney was charged with:

• Possession of crack cocaine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of paraphernalia in a school zone
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Conspiracy to possess more than 4 ounces of marijuana
• Conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to sell
• Conspiracy to possess drugs in a school zone
• Conspiracy to possess drugs with intent to sell in a school zone.

Williams was charged with:

• Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license
• Possession of marijuana — less than a half-ounce
• Possession of paraphernalia in a school zone
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Conspiracy to possess more than 4 ounces of marijuana
• Conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to sell
• Conspiracy to possess drugs in a school zone
• Conspiracy to possess drugs with intent to sell in a school zone.

Williams' bond was set at $50,000, according to a news release.

The East Central Narcotics Taskforce covers Manchester, South Windsor, Vernon and Glastonbury.

it takes tips at 860-645-5548. All calls remain confidential, police said.

Photo Credit: East Central Narcotics Taskforce