Crime & Safety

Police Bust Alleged Shepard Ave. Pot Factory

Two arrested in Dec. 16 raid.

Two women were arrested last week after police allegedly found about $500,000 worth of marijuana being cultivated in two locations.

The investigation began on Dec. 16, when police got a report of theft of utility services t 1680 Shepard Ave., according to police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith. United Illuminating had contacted police to report that electricity was being stolen at that address, he said.

When officers got there, they found "a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the residence," Smith said. "A search warrant was submitted to the court and approved. Officers subsequently searched the residence and seized hundreds of marijuana plants. Furthermore, officers discovered a large grow operation."

Find out what's happening in Hamdenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The investigation then led police to a home at 220 Fans Rock Rd, Smith said, which also was searched after obtaining a warrant.

"Officers discovered hundreds of marijuana plants, as well as drug paraphernalia," Smith said. "Once again, officers discovered a large grow operation.

Find out what's happening in Hamdenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"In total, officers seized in excess of 700 marijuana plants, as well as over $19,000 in United States currency, between both residences," Smith said. "The marijuana, which weighed over 100 pounds, has an estimated street value of $500,000."

Illeana Rivera, 51, and Meelee Rivera, 31, both of 220 Fans Rock Rd, each were both charged with Cultivation of Marijuana Over One Kilogram, Possession of Marijuana With the Intent to Sell Over 1 Kilogram, Possession of Marijuana and Operating a Drug Factory.

Both were held in lieu of $500,000 bond and are due to appear in Meriden Superior Court July 12.

Smith said he couldn't say how the two women were related. The investigation is continuing, he said.

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.