Officer Bryan Albee, left, and Sgt. Tyler DeAngelo and K9 Jax made a drug seizure and arrest on Groton Long Point Road on Wednesday, April 30. (Photo Courtesy Town of Groton Police Department)
GROTON — Chief Louis J. Fusaro Jr. reports that the Town of Groton Police Department’s proactive enforcement efforts led to multiple drug arrests this week.
Three motor vehicle stops led to the seizure of crack cocaine, cocaine and drug paraphernalia and resulted in five arrests by patrol officers.
“These cases are an example of proactive, attentive policing by our patrol officers, who remain committed to keeping illegal drugs off our streets and out of our community,” Chief Fusaro said. “Their keen observation and quick action during these motor vehicle stops reflect the dedication our officers bring to protecting public safety every day. I commend them for their outstanding work.”
Motor Vehicle Stop Leads to Seizure of Cocaine, Arrest
On Wednesday, April 30, Lt. Anthony LaFleur received a citizen’s complaint regarding illegal drug distribution activity in the Town of Groton and launched an investigation.
Lt. LaFleur identified the suspect as ROBERT WATSON, AGE 59, of NEW LONDON, and identified the vehicle he was allegedly using to deliver crack cocaine in the community after work.
On Wednesday, at approximately 5:11 p.m., Officer Bryan Albee located WATSON‘s blue Honda Accord and conducted a motor vehicle stop on Groton Long Point Road.
Sgt. Tyler DeAngelo and K9 Jax responded to the scene as backup and conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle’s exterior, which resulted in K9 Jax displaying alert behavior.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police located 15.4 grams of crack cocaine, 3.3 grams of cocaine packaged for sale and a digital scale. Police also seized two cellphones.
WATSON was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of Narcotics (two counts)
- Possession with Intent to Sell a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Failure to Obey a Stop Sign
WATSON was processed and later posted 7% of his $7,500 bond.
Suspicious Activity Leads to Motor Vehicle Stop, 3 Arrests
On Wednesday, April 30, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Officer Eric LaPorte stopped a 2006 Toyota Highlander at the Gold Star Inn for suspicious activity.
Upon making contact with the occupants of the vehicle, Officer LaPorte suspected illegal narcotic activity after observing tinfoil in plain view and due to the occupants’ evasive answers.
Connecticut State Police responded with a K9 to provide backup at the scene.
Through a subsequent investigation, officers located a crack pipe, two bags of crack and drug paraphernalia on a passenger’s person and a crack pipe inside the clothing of the driver, who initially provided a false name to police. An additional crack pipe was located in the glove compartment.
Inside the vehicle, officers also located a pressed cocaine pill and various drug paraphernalia, including empty glassine bags.
The driver, LYNDSAY M. WASILUS, AGE 38, who is currently homeless but most recently lived in Woodbury, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Second Offense
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Criminal Impersonation
- Interfering with an Officer (Two Counts)
- Failure to Display Registration Plate
- Improper Rear Lights
- Failure to Appear in the Second Degree (Two Counts)
A passenger, GLENN E. MCCALLUM, AGE 54, of UNCASVILLE, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Second Offense
- Use of Drug Paraphernalia
Another passenger, ROBERT E. GRIFFIN, AGE 53, of DANIELSON, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Second Offense (Three Counts)
- Possession of a Narcotic Substance with Intent to Sell or Distribute
- Use of Drug Paraphernalia
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Interfering with an Officer
All three were held on bond.
Traffic Stop Results in Cocaine Discovery, Arrest
On Thursday, May 1, approximately 12:54 a.m., Officer Evan Zavickas conducted a motor vehicle stop of a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas after a Department of Motor Vehicles query showed the registered owner had a suspended driver’s license.
The driver, identified as JAMES E. NORMAN, AGE 62, of STONINGTON, was placed under arrest.
During a subsequent search of NORMAN, Officer Zavickas located a rolled-up dollar bill and a bag containing a white powdery substance, both of which tested positive for cocaine.
NORMAN was transported to the Town of Groton Police Department, where he was processed and charged with:
- Illegal Operation Under Suspension — Alcohol Related
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
He was later released on a non-surety bond.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
###
Drug evidence seized during a recent motor vehicle stop. (Photo Courtesy Town of Groton Police Department)
