Crime & Safety

Woodbridge Officer Hailed for Drug Bust

A large amount of heroin is off the streets today due to the investigative work of one Woodbridge police officer.

On Wednesday, July 20, the Woodbridge Police Officer AJ Cappiello investigated drug activity in a residential area.

According to the report, police stopped a car on Beecher Road at 11:30 a.m., which was occupied by two Hamden men, Stephen Liburd, 65, and Walter Zielanski, 65, who both were found in possession of a large amount of heroin.

In connection with the investigation a second car, driven by Ernestine Dardine, 56, of New Haven, was stopped on Beecher Road at Woodside Ave. at 1:30 p.m.  Police said she also was found in possession of a large amount of heroin.

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Liburd was charged with possession of a controlled substance and illegal distribution. He was held on $10,000 bond and later released on a promise to appear in court.

Zielanski was charged with driving with a defective windshield, possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics, illegal distribution and illegal possession near a school zone.

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He was held on $50,000 bond and later released on a promise to appear in court.

Dardine was charged with traveling fast, possession of narcotics, illegal possession near a school zone and sale of narcotics. She was held on $25,000 bond.

Officer Cappiello is credited with the seizure of 251 bags of heroin and about $1,000 in cash.


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