Dealers Tried To Ditch Duffel Bag Full Of Drugs: Norwich Police

NORWICH, CT — Police caught two men accused of fleeing a car crash and attempting to ditch a duffle bag full of drugs.

Police responded to a report of an accident at East Main Street and North Main Street on Thursday. Two people fled on foot from one of the vehicles involved in the crash, with one suspect carrying a large duffle bag.

Two officers were patrolling the area on the department's new e-bikes. The officers caught the suspects as one of them attempted to ditch the duffle bag in a nearby dumpster, according to police.

The duffle bag had a large quantity of cannabis that weighed about 13.6 pounds and included drug packaging material. Police also said they seized $23,000 in cash.

Joel Figuereo, 28, of New York City, was charged with interfering with an officer, possession of more than 1 kg of marijuana with intent to sell, and evading responsibility. Steven Fermin, 28, of Manhattan, was charged with interfering with an officer and possession of more than 1 kg of marijuana.

Police said they have long used mountain bikes for patrolling the city. The new e-bikes will "continue to prove invaluable in our efforts to address crime in various areas of our city and our department is seeking to purchase more." The e-bikes allow officers to access areas that are "sometimes challenging for traditional patrol vehicles."

Anyone with information on this investigation can contact the Norwich Police Narcotics Unit at 860-886-5561 ext. 3153 or call the department's anonymous tip line at 860-886-5561 ext. 4. All information can remain confidential.

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