2 Men Arrested On Drug Charges Outside Restaurant: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — Two men were arrested on drug charges outside a restaurant in Wallingford on Sunday, according to police.

Members of the Wallingford Police Department’s Patrol Division, with assistance from K-9 Kip, arrested 30-year-old Valon Gjonbalaj, of Wallingford, and 43-year-old Jason Monocchi, of Wallingford, following a suspicious activity complaint in front of a local business on March 8, according to police.

Police said the investigation began after it was reported that two men were inside a restaurant “acting strangely and appeared to be under the influence of narcotics” before entering a vehicle in front of the business.

“Officers arrived on scene and observed the individuals inside the vehicle with suspected narcotics in plain view,” police wrote in a news release. “Probable cause was established, leading to the arrest of both individuals. As a result of the investigation, officers seized approximately 8 grams of powdered cocaine, packaging containing psychedelic mushrooms, and suspected fentanyl concealed in currency.”

Gjonbalaj was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released after posting a $2,500 bond with a court date of March 23.

Monocchi was charged with driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released after posting a $2,500 bond with a court date of March 26.