Pair Charged With Dealing Drugs Near Manchester High School

MANCHESTER, CT — Two people have been charged with selling narcotics near Manchester High School.

On Tuesday, members of the East Central Narcotics Task Force raided Unit 5 at 94 East Middle Turnpike after receiving a tip that crack cocaine and fentanyl were being sold out of the residence, according to a news release.

Police interrupted a group playing video games in the basement, detained them, searched the residence, and located crack, marijuana, equipment and packaging materials related to drug sales and an undisclosed amount of cash, according to a news release.

Luis Rivera, 33, was charged with possession of cocaine, possession with the intent to sell, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia — all within 1,500-feet of a school — according to a news release.

Police said he was also charged with risk of injury to a minor because a "small child" was present in the home. The child was referred to the state Department of Children and Families, police said. He was held on a $200,000 bond, police said.

Natalie Ortiz, 29, was charged with the same crimes, according to a news release. She posted a $25,000 bond, records indicate.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel