Drug Raid In Vernon Nabs Crack, Suspected Dealer

VERNON, CT — A Monday law enforcement raid on an apartment in Vernon broke up a drug operation, police said.

On Monday, the East Central Narcotics Task Force, armed with two search warrants, raided an apartment on Regan Street in Vernon, according to an arrest report. An ongoing investigation pinpointed the apartment, police said.

The person of interest in the raid, 50-year-old Mahata Spence, was picked up at a nearby gas station and fought with officers before he was searched, according to an arrest report.

Meanwhile, at his apartment, task force members located "numerous types" of drug equipment, and crack cocaine packaged for sale, according to an arrest report.

Spence was arrested and charged with the use of drug paraphernalia, interfering with police, interfering with a search, possession of a controlled substance (third offense) and possession with the intent to sell (third offense).

He was held overnight on a $250,000 bond and was to appear in Rockville Superior Court Tuesday, records show.