(Bridgeport, CT – July 11, 2013) – The State Police and Bridgeport narcotics officers seized more than 16 pounds of cocaine that was shipped to a Rose Street address from Puerto Rico.

On Tuesday, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force Southwest Office received information from law enforcement officials in Puerto Rico that a package containing a large quantity of cocaine was intended for delivery to 56 Rose St. in Bridgeport by a commercial carrier.

On Wednesday at 11:20 a.m. personnel from the task force and Bridgeport’s Tactical Narcotics Team established surveillance and observed a delivery vehicle park in front of the residence.

Police then observed two individuals, later identified as Hector Montilla, 42, and Rafael Casasnovas Jr., 24, of 56 Rose St. walk out of their house and approach the carrier.

As the men accepted the package and walked back to their residence, police personnel converged on them and took both of them into custody without incident.  The package was seized as evidence and found to contain over 7.5 kilograms of cocaine.

Additionally, $300 was seized from Montilla.  Consent to search their apartment was obtained and after a cursory search more cocaine and packaging material was found. Police then secured the residence and secured a search warrant.

The search warrant was later executed and additional quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, and packaging material were seized.

Montilla and Casasnovas were transported to Troop G, where they were processed and charged with Possession of over 1 Kilogram of Cocaine, Conspiracy to Commit Possession of over 1 Kilogram of Cocaine, Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell, and Possession of Narcotics WITS within 1,500 feet of a School.  Both individuals were held on a $200,000 bond and were scheduled to appear for arraignment at the Bridgeport Superior Court on 07/11/13.