NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Over a dozen arrests were made after federal investigators found a drug trafficking operation happening out of Supreme Automotive in New Britain. The 13 arrests were made Thursday, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut.
The FBI's New Haven Bureau and New Britain police have been investigating the car dealership on 494 Main Street since February 2024. Investigators wiretapped phone calls, collected surveillance and made 15 controlled buys of drugs, including cocaine, officials said.
Police arrested the following:
- Wilfredo Ortiz, 44, of Bristol - Co-operator of drug trafficking scheme - currently detained
- Michael Luisi, 51, of Berlin - Co-operator of drug trafficking scheme - currently detained
- Eli Samuel Ofarrill-Fernandez, 46, of New Britain - currently detained
- Samuel Martinez, 48, of Rocky Hill - currently detained
- Tashia Bridges, 34, of Torrington - currently detained
- Dimas Rodriguez, 55, of Meriden - currently detained
- Jose M. Ortiz, 52, of New Britain - released on bond
- Jose L. Ortiz, 47, of New Britain - released on bond
- Richard Beaudoin, 52, of Newington - released on bond
- Richard Zina, 42, of Ludlow, Mass. - released on bond
- Curtis Rooth, 36, of Portland - currently detained
- Jose Rivera, 35, of Rocky Hill - released on bond
- Jemuel Vega-Gomez, 24, of New Britain - currently detained
The suspects were charged with possession with intent to distribute/distribution of controlled substances, and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Supreme Automotive was among homes and other locations searched, and investigators found and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, about 30 grams of heroin, a kilogram press, seven firearms, ammunition, about $57,000 in cash and 26 vehicles.
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