3,700 Grams of Marijuana Seized in Higganum

A 22-year-old Higganum man is facing a series of narcotics charges after police said they seized over 3,700 grams of marijuana from his 8 Depot Hill Road home on Tuesday.

Aaron Lehet, the suspect in the case, was arrested on Aug. 7 after detectives from the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.) and the Haddam Trooper’s Office conducted a search at his Higganum home regarding a narcotics investigation. The search resulted in what amounted to a marijuana-growing operation, police said.

According to Haddam Resident Trooper Enrico Milardo, the narcotics coalition discovered and seized during the search 3,713.3 grams (or roughly 8.14 pounds) of marijuana with packaging, four marijuana grow lights with ballasts, numerous items related to growing marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. Two vehicles, a 2002 Ford Mustang and a Jeep Wrangler, were also seized during the arrest. Two pit bulls were handed over to animal control.

In a news release, Milardo said that “due to very poor living conditions of the residence” he informed the Chatham Health District and requested an inspector to examine the residence.

Milardo also notified the Haddam building inspector, who later deemed the 8 Depot Hill Road residence unsafe. The residence was boarded up and secured from further entrance until further notice, according to Milardo. The building inspector also requested that Connecticut Light & Power cut off the power to the home due to electrical safety concerns. 

Lehet was charged with operation of a drug factory, possession of a controlled substance/marijuana, illegal possession near school (Haddam Elementary School), possession with intent to sell, distribution of a controlled substance and illegal sale of a controlled substance. 

Lehet was held at Connecticut State Police Troop F on a $25,000 bond and appeared at Middletown Superior Court on Aug. 8.

Information provided by the Haddam Resident Trooper's Office and does not indicate a conviction.