Alabama car stop leads authorities to 6 kilos of heroin in Hartford
An investigation that started when sheriffs in Alabama found a car on a hauler with a hidden compartment lead to the seizure of 6 kilograms of heroin from a Maple Avenue home last week.
Federal officials announced the large drug bust Monday after five people charged as part of the investigation appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford.
In mid-October, authorities from the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office stopped a car hauler that was carrying a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu that had hidden compartments, typically used to conceal contraband like drugs, built into it, federal officials said.
Authorities, with court authorization, installed a tracker on the vehicle, observing it from October 2016 until this month stop in a number of places in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Federal officials said that agents from Homeland Security Investigations found the car last Tuesday at 1091 Maple Avenue in Hartford.
On Friday investigators saw some activity involving a second vehicle that led them to believe someone was manipulating a hidden compartment.
Officers spotted Onel Arana-Gervacio placing two duffel bags into that second vehicle and driving off with Modesto Barett Medina, officials said.
Hartford police officers stopped the car about 8:30 p.m. Friday and found that it contained a hidden trap, but nothing illegal was inside, officials said.
Authorities searched the Maple Avenue home and found at least 6 kilograms of heroin, about 500 grams of cocaine and a press used to process bulk heroin, officials said. HSI agents also seized other drug paraphernalia that was covered in residue that tested positive for the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl.
The agents also searched the car, which was in a garage at the home, and found about $260,000 cash inside the built-in trap.
Arana, 39, Barrett, 47, Erison Peralta, 39, Luz Cruz, 46, and Carol Amparo, 20, were all charged with possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin.
Federal officials said that Arana is a Mexican citizen, and Barett and Peralta are citizens of the Dominican Republic. All three were ordered detained.
Cruz and Amparo were also charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises. They were released on $500,000 bond after their court appearance.
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