Cops Break Up Drug Distribution Operation In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — An arrest has been made in a month-long drug investigation in Manchester.

Police said the case dates back to November, when the East Central Narcotics Task Force, in cooperation with the Manchester Police Department and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, initiated a local narcotics investigation targeting crack cocaine and fentanyl distribution.

The operation culminated with the execution of multiple search and seizure warrants at 36 Essex St. in Manchester, police said. Investigators seized approximately 109 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of crack cocaine, and 20 grams of powder cocaine packaged for distribution, police said.

Police Saturday sad that Michael Henry Hamm, 48, was taken into custody and charged with operating a drug factory, possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with a drug factory.

Hamm posted a $500,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court on Jan. 17, records show.