2 Charged, Guns And Fentanyl Seized, In New Milford Narcotics Investigation

NEW MILFORD, CT — Two men were arrested and narcotics, firearms, and ammunition were seized following a joint investigation by the New Milford Police Department’s Detective Division and the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, police said Thursday.

According to the department, Clark Smith, 40, of New Milford, was charged with four counts of failure to properly secure a firearm, two counts of risk of injury to a minor, possession with intent to sell a narcotic substance, and illegal possession of a large-capacity magazine.

Christopher Lanham, 37, of Waterbury, was charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell a narcotic substance.

Police said the investigation began after multiple tips alleged that narcotics were being sold from Smith’s residence. During the arrests, officers seized four firearms, about 28 grams of fentanyl, and 7.5 grams of crack cocaine.

New Milford Police Chief Spencer Cerruto praised the coordination between local detectives and the task force, saying their efforts “may very well have prevented tragic overdoses or violent crimes.”

“The New Milford Police Department remains committed to protecting our residents and will continue to work closely with the task force to ensure drug dealers don’t bring this poison into our community,” Cerruto said.