Narcotics Stash Seized During Raid In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — A regional law enforcement drug task force broke up a suspected narcotics operation in Manchester late last week.

On Friday, members of the East Central Narcotics Task Force, along with Manchester police and federal DEA agents concluded an investigation into Apartment 10 at 88 Oak Street and suspected dealers Joseph Vasquez, 41, and Latoya Betts, 37, authorities said.

During the execution of a search warrant, Vasquez, was taken into custody and charged with possession of narcotics with the intent to sell after cocaine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and a PCP variation called "grey death" was located. He was also charged with operating a drug factory, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of a firearm, authorities said.

Vasquez was being held on $750,000 in total bonds, police said.

Betts was charged with the same four crimes, along with improper storage of a firearm. Betts was being held on $350,000 in total bonds.

Vasquez and Betts were issued a May 24, court date in Manchester.

During the search, officers located in total:

• Fentanyl: 14.13 grams and 131 bags
• Crack cocaine: 6.95 ounces
• Cocaine: 2.61 kilograms
• Grey Death: 32.96 grams
• A firearm
• A large sum of cash

Additional charges related to the items seized are pending, police said.