Community Corner
One Charged, More Arrests Expected as Police Crackdown on Drug Sales
A Meriden man is facing multiple charges and the Meriden Police Department is conducting surveillance and other operations in a city neighborhood after neighbors complained of a growing drug sales problem in the area.
Police have arrested one man in connection with a series of ongoing drug sales and additional arrests are expected as city detectives continue work to address what neighbors have expressed is a growing drug problem in one Meriden neighborhood.
Officers took Michael Karbownik, of 525 Crown Street, into custody after obtaining warrants following surveillance and undercover effort dating back several months.
Karbownik, 32, was arraigned in Bristol Superior Court Friday and is facing charges including three counts of possession of narcotics, three counts of sale of narcotics, three counts of sale of narcotics within 1,500 feet of public housing, conspiracy to commit sale of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released after posting a $50,000 bond, according to court records.
“The arrest is one of several expected as part of a long-term effort and during the investigation so far, detectives have been able to secure warrants for several people,” said Lt. Sal Nesci.
The investigation began after the department received complaints from multiple residents in an undisclosed Meriden neighborhood, police said. The residents knew of drug deals happening in the area and asked police to step in and address it.
Nesci said Tuesday that the department is continuing their efforts in addressing the issue, which largely involves the sale of crack cocaine. He said the department could not release the exact location due to the ongoing investigation.
“It’s something the crime suppression unit has put an emphasis on to help address the issue,” Nesci said.
According to police, Karbownik was one of several alleged dealers that detectives began watching during their surveillance. On several occasions, they were able to identify him making sales in the area and eventually obtained a warrant.
He was also found in possession of drug paraphernalia hen police served the warrant on Friday, July 12, the police report said.
Karbownik is due back in court on Aug. 6 and could present a plea to the charges at that time, court records showed.
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