Authorities allege drug distribution in Manchester home

‘Extensive’ operation reportedly found

Two people are facing multiple drug charges after a search warrant led to the reported discovery of an extensive drug distribution operation in Manchester, police said.

The East Central Narcotics Task Force executed a search and seizure warrant at a home on Horace Street in Manchester on Friday. Investigators reportedly seized over three pounds of cocaine, 300 ecstasy tablets, and approximately 116 grams of crack cocaine, according to a release from the Manchester Police Department.

Authorities also reportedly located a loaded Springfield XD pistol and a variety of ammunition in the home, police said.

Joel L. Rivera, 48, was taken into custody as a result of the investigation and charged with criminal possession of a firearm, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of fentanyl with intent to sell, possession of ecstasy with intent to sell, possession of crack cocaine with intent to sell, possession of half an ounce or more of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a drug factory. He is being held in lieu of a $250,000 surety bond, according to police.

Authorities also arrested Raquel Medina, 46, and charged her with possession of narcotics and conspiracy to operate a drug factory. She was released on a $50,000 non-surety bond, police said.

Rivera and Medina scheduled to appear in court on May 11, according to the Manchester police.

Anyone with information pertaining to drug activity is asked to contact the East Central Narcotics Taskforce at 860-645-5548. All calls are confidential.