Norwalk Liquor Store Shut Down Indefinitely Following Police Raid: DCP

NORWALK, CT — A Norwalk liquor store has been shut down until further notice after a police raid earlier this month found large quantities of cocaine, illegal gambling machines and other violations at the store, according to the state Department of Consumer Protection.

In a news release sent to Patch, DCP officials said Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli signed a summary suspension of the package store permit and the lottery sales agent license for Cocchia's Liquor Store, located at 23 Ely Avenue in Norwalk.

According to DCP, the suspension is the result of a referral to the department's Liquor Control Division from the Norwalk Police Department on Friday regarding an investigation into illegal drug and gambling activity at the store.

Police executed search and seizure warrants and a federal arrest warrant at Cocchia's on Aug. 7following a lengthy investigation involving controlled purchases of cocaine inside the store.

While searching the liquor store, officers found several baggies of powder cocaine in the walk-in beer cooler and on the persons of two men, according to the department. Officers also seized two facsimile handguns found on a shelf under the cash register.

Police also located seven illegal gambling machines, along with nearly $5,500 of cash and gambling receipts hidden in the machines and various liquor boxes throughout the store.

Officers arrested two Norwalk residents following the raid: Jose Gerado Fuentes-Lima, 44, and Felix Galindo-Castillo, 48, also known as "Cocchie," according to Norwalk Police Sgt. Ryan Evarts.

See also: Large Quantities Of Cocaine Sold From Norwalk Liquor Store: Police

Evarts said Galindo-Castillo had an active federal arrest warrant, and officers learned he was also the founder of the violent Mexico-based Los Vagos Gang.

In his letter to DCP, Police Chief James Walsh wrote that Cocchia's has been the site of at least ten police calls for service this year, most involving intoxicated and unconscious patrons lying in front of the store or engaging in fights inside or immediately outside the store.

"It is clear this establishment is a danger to public health and safety," Cafferelli said in a news release. "In addition to this action...our team will be investigating all other establishments associated with the ownership of Cocchia's to ensure there is no further risk to the community."

Cafferelli also thanked the Norwalk Police Department for collaborating on this effort.

According to DCP, the premise package store permit for Cocchia's is immediately suspended and the business is closed until further notice.

The lottery sales agent license is also immediately suspended and the store cannot engage in lottery sales until further notice.