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Watertown police launch ‘Operation Smackdown’ to curb sale of heroin; 4 arrested, 3 on the run

WATERTOWN — Four people are facing charges and police are searching for three more in what they’re calling “Operation Smackdown.” ItR...
operation-smackdown
operation-smackdown

WATERTOWN — Four people are facing charges and police are searching for three more in what they’re calling “Operation Smackdown.” It’s an effort to curb the sale of heroin, crack cocaine and prescription opiates, Watertown police said Tuesday.

Starting in early September, detectives used informants, surveillance and undercover narcotics purchases, police said.

“We started it months ago actually, it was working in part with confidential informants, doing undercover buys and trying to purchase street level drugs from these dealers,” said Detective Kevin Ferrucci. “It’s a lot of planning involved because not only do we want to make sure the officers are safe, that the informants or who’s purchasing the drugs are safe too, so we really have to control the environment or the area when we do make these purchases.”

All of the narcotics were purchased in Watertown by dealers who mainly resided in Waterbury.

Police said it took time to identify people who went by “street names” only.

“These arrests, which are the result of an ongoing and lengthy undercover investigations, have severely crippled the heroin supply coming into the Watertown/Oakville area. I commend all of the officers and detectives who participated in this operation,” said Chief John Gavallas. “A job well done.”

Many of those arrested are convicted felons with histories of sale of narcotics and firearm arrests, police said. One charged with sale of narcotics had children with him at the time of the sale and was additionally charged with risk of injury to a minor.

“It’s always a plus when we can get any dealer off the street, but these gentlemen in particular are repeat offenders that are constantly selling drugs within Waterbury and Watertown, so it was great to get them off the street, at least temporarily,” Ferrucci said.

Watertown police launch ‘Operation Smackdown’ to curb sale of heroin; 4 arrested, 3 on the run

Those arrested are:

  • Edward “Luck” Greene, 28, of Prospect. He was arrested on November 17 and charged with the violation of Sale of Narcotics (2 counts) and Possession of Narcotics (2 counts).
  • Marques “Mark” Foote, 29, of Waterbury. He was arrested on December 1 and charged with the violation of Sale of Narcotics (2 counts), Possession of Narcotics (4 counts), and Risk of injury to a minor.
  • Glyn “Freckles” Chapman, 30, of Waterbury. He was arrested on December 1 and charged with the violation of Sale of Narcotics (2 counts) and Possession of Narcotics (2 counts).
  • Thomas Culver, 37, of Watertown. He was arrested on December 13 and charged with the violation of Sale of Narcotics (2 counts).
Watertown police launch ‘Operation Smackdown’ to curb sale of heroin; 4 arrested, 3 on the run

Police are still looking for:

  • Jonathon “Jordan” Oakley, 33, of Waterbury. The warrant is for the violation of Sale of Narcotics (4 counts) and Possession of Narcotics (4 counts).
  • Nicholas “Mikey” Ramdin, 37, possibly residing in Thomaston, formally of Waterbury. The warrant is for the violation of Sale of Narcotics (2 counts) and Possession of Narcotics (2 counts).
  • Damon “E” Davis, 21, of Waterbury. The warrant is for the Sale of Narcotics (2 counts) and Possession of Narcotics (2 counts).

Anyone with information on the location of the wanted men is asked to call the Watertown Police Department at 860-945-5200 or Crimestoppers confidentially for a cash reward.

Police also issued the following statement:

“Heroin is a devastating opiate that quickly drags the user down to the need for constant highs. Often times, users turn to criminal acts, burglaries, larcenies and robberies to support their habits. Heroin is commonly a next step for those abusing prescription opiates such as oxycodone, and who can no longer get refills or afford the cost.

Heroin is a problem in every community and Watertown has seen its share of fatal and nonfatal overdoses, desperate criminal acts just to get enough money for another high, and families struggling with a member addicted to heroin. Resources for persons addicted to opiates, and their families are available on the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Website. The Watertown Police Department offers everyone an easy way to dispose of your unused prescription medication with a drop box in our lobby available twenty four hours a day.”

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