Task Force Breaks Up Manchester Drug Operation

MANCHESTER, CT — A regional drug task force has broken up a marijuana operation on Manchester, police said.

During the month of November, The East Central Narcotics Task Force received information that turned into a lengthy investigation of possible marijuana grow/sales operation located in Manchester, according to a news release.

The information received specifically mentioned the residence of Joncarlo
Cortese, 48 Willard Road.

The task force was able to obtain a search warrant for the property and officers seized approximately 5 pounds of marijuana, marijuana edibles, marijuana vape cartridges, and growing equipment related to the cultivation of marijuana, according to a news release.

Cortese, 22, was charged with:

• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of marijuana with the intent to sell
• Cultivation of marijuana
• Operating a drug factory
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

He was also chareged with various narcotics charges related to his residence being within 1,500 of a school, according to a news release.

Cortese was held on a $125,000 bond.

Also seized during this investigation were Cortese’s vehicle and his registered firearm, according to a nedws release.

Photo Credit: ECNTF

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