A 60-year-old Bronx, NY, man is facing serious drug charges after Greenwich, CT police found him in possession of 210 bags of heroin, thanks to a tip from a confidential informant, police said.
Benito Gonzalez, of 2273 Tiebout Ave., Bronx, NY, was arrested at 4:30 p.m. Monday after narcotics officers received information from a “proven and reliable” confidential informant.
The informant told police Gonzalez “actively sells heroin in town” and was “currently in possession of a large quantity of heroin on Pemberwick Road,” according to police reports.
When officers from the department’s narcotics unit arrived in the area, they found Gonzalez’s car and stopped him at Pemberwick Road and Comly Avenue. Police found Gonzalez had $2,127 in cash and drug paraphernalia, in addition to the bags of heroin, which had an estimated street value of over $2,000.
Gonzalez, who police believe was a “primary supplier of heroin to the area,” was charged with possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with the intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia.
“This is a significant seizure,” said Sgt. Timothy Hilderbrand, head of the narcotics unit. “This tells us he was not just a street-level dealer.”
Hilderbrand said Tuesday’s apprehension was the 11th drug-related arrest made this year in the area of Pemberwick Park and along Pemberwick Road. Hilderbrand said police have made arrests for heroin, cocaine, marijuana and even gun possession. Many of the arrests have resulted from anonymous tips from the community, he said.
“We have (received) a significant amount of tips from down there,” Hilderbrand said. “That is the driving force behind the enforcement activity.”
In January, two men were arrested in the area and accused of selling marijuana and possessing an illegal handgun. In June, a 19-year-old was caught selling marijuana in Pemberwick park after detectives received a tip about her activity, authorities said.
In June, five people were arrested after police found two men in possession of marijuana while walking on Pemberwick Road, police said. The men told police they purchased marijuana from a home at 104 Pemberwick Road, where more drugs were found.
Police said they are noticing drug dealers transporting their wares from New York to the area. In addition to acting on anonymous tips received through a phone line and e-mail address, police said they are gathering intelligence from other sources in town and conducting their own surveillance of suspicious subjects and properties.
While police would not comment on whether there is more drug activity in Pemberwick than in other areas of town, they said officers are taking notice.
“It is of concern to the patrol force given the amount of drug activity over there,” said Lt. Kraig Gray, executive lieutenant for the patrol division and department spokesman. “Local patrols are aware, and they continue to be vigilant and make arrests. Patrol officers are reporting suspicious activity to narcotics enforcement officers.”
To leave an confidential tip with police, e-mail tips@greenwichct.org or call 203-622-3333.
