Pot By Mail Scheme Thwarted

From the Middletown Police Department

On April 23, 2010 the Street Crime Unit (SCU) along with the State Wide Narcotics Task Force (SNTF), and the US Postal Inspector conducted a joint narcotic investigation. After MPD Narcotic canine Rika alerted to a package a search and seizure warrant was obtained. Located in the package was twenty one pounds of marijuana which was located upon executing the search and seizure warrant.  

Upon further investigation it was determined that the package containing the marijuana was bound for the address of 238 Ridgefield Dr, Middletown, CT. Detectives would substitute the package of twenty one pounds of marijuana with an alternate substance.

The investigation provided the following information:  Jose Nunez allowed Jose Rivera-Baron to accept packages of marijuana at his residence. Nunez was observed conducting counter surveillance in the area of 238 Ridgefield Dr. Rivera-Baron accepted the package which he believed still contained twenty one pounds of marijuana.

Rivera’s brother Alberto Rivera and Arturo Guzman were observed leaving Nunez’s apartment and operating a blue Chevrolet Cobalt rented from Enterprise Rent-a-Car in which they and Rivera-Baron were to leave in.


As  SCU, Middletown Detectives, SNTF, and Middletown PD patrol units converged on the address Rivera-Baron was in possession of the package as Guzman and Rivera were about to pick him up and drive out of the apartment complex. All parties were detained and the residence at 238 Ridgefield Drive was secured.


The street value of the seized marijuana seized is approximately $80,640.00.

Jose Nunez DOB 10/10/85 was subsequently arrested for the following charge and released on a $25,000.00 Non-Surety Bond:
Conspiracy to Possess over Four Ounces of Marijuana 
 
Jose Rivera-Baron DOB 1/7/83 was subsequently arrested for the following charges and held on a $500,000.00 Bond:
Conspiracy to Possess over Four Ounces of Marijuana
Conspiracy to Possess Marijuana With Intent to Sell
Criminal Attempt to Possess Marijuana
Criminal Attempt to Possess Marijuana With Intent to Sell

Alberto Rivera DOB 2/14/84 was subsequently arrested for the following charges and held on a $500,000.00 Bond:
Conspiracy to Possess over Four Ounces of Marijuana
Conspiracy to Possess Marijuana With Intent to Sell
Criminal Attempt to Possess Marijuana
Criminal Attempt to Possess Marijuana With Intent to Sell
Arturo Guzman DOB 1/20/85 was subsequently arrested for the following charges and held on a $500,000.00 Bond:
Conspiracy to Possess over Four Ounces of Marijuana
Conspiracy to Possess Marijuana With Intent to Sell
Criminal Attempt to Possess Marijuana
Criminal Attempt to Possess Marijuana With Intent to Sell
Rivera- Baron, Rivera, and Guzman all failed to provide sufficient identification and were held on additional detainers by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Any citizens willing to give information concerning possible illegal activities are encouraged to contact Sgt. Rich Davis of the Street Crime Unit at (860) 344-3259. All information will remain anonymous.