West Hartford/Hartford Police Charge Man With Multiple Drug, Weapons Offenses

WEST HARTFORD/HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford man is facing several drug trafficking and weapons charges following a joint police probe between West Hartford and Hartford police.

West Hartford police Friday evening said Byron Jones, 53, of Cortland Circle, West Hartford, is facing multiple charges from both departments regarding is alleged activities.

From the Hartford Police Department, police said, Jones was charged with:

• Possession of narcotics with intent to sell/dispense.

• Possession of a controlled substance or greater than a half-ounce of cannabis.

• Operation of a drug factory.

• Conspiracy to commit a crime.

From the West Hartford Police Department, according to a release, Jones was charged with:

• Criminal possession of a pistol/revolver.

• Failure to obtain serial numbers/engraving.

Police said Jones surrendered himself to the WHPD Thursday for an active warrant sought regarding his West Hartford charges.

He was being held on $800,000 bond pending arraignment in Hartford Superior Court.

According to police, West Hartford law enforcers seized in excess of $100,000 cash and a loaded, 9-mm pistol that was a so-called "ghost gun" without a serial number.

Police said Jones' arrest came after a month-long probe in September by the WHPD Community Support Unit and the HPD Vice and Narcotics Unit.

Jones, police said, frequented by West Hartford and Hartford while conducting his activities.

Police said search-and-seizure warrants were issued at both 115 Cortland Circle in West Hartford and 855 Albany Ave. in Hartford.