New London woman, wanted on drug charge, turns herself in

New London – Police said a woman whose suitcase, allegedly filled with drugs, was seized in August while police searched her residence turned herself in to police on an arrest warrant Thursday.

Police searched her home after another resident there was accused by police of participating in a murder for hire plot.

Miriam Nataren-Alvarenga, 27, of 208 Crystal Ave., Apt 1, was charged Thursday with possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, possession of cocaine with the intent to sell within 1,500 feet of public housing, operating a drug factory and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police Chief Margaret Ackley said the suitcase, filled with 7.3 grams of cocaine, digital scales and packaging materials was recovered at 208 Crystal Ave., which police searched in August after the arrest of Elmer A. Melendez, 28, a resident there. Melendez was arrested after he was allegedly hired to commit a murder, a plot which was foiled by New London Police.

The suitcase, Ackley said, was connected to Nataren-Alvarenga, who is held on $25,000 bond. Nataren-Alvarenga is not a suspect in the murder for hire conspiracy.

Melendez is charged with possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, criminal attempt to commit murder and conspiracy to commit murder related to his Aug. 18 arrest. He’s held on $2 million bond and is next scheduled to appear in court Feb. 23.

Police did not disclose the relationship between Melendez and Nataren-Alvarenga.