Meriden Man Arrested On Drug, Gun Charges After Investigation: Wallingford PD

WALLINGFORD, CT — A Meriden man faces drug and gun charges after authorities executed a search warrant on Tuesday, according to Wallingford police.

Members of the Wallingford Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit, with assistance from the Meriden Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit, executed a search-and-seizure warrant on Aug. 11 as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation in the Wallingford/Meriden area, according to police.

The investigation began after police received information regarding suspected street-level narcotics sales in the area.

As a result of the investigation, police said detectives developed probable cause and obtained a search warrant for 27-year-old Tyler Johnson of Meriden, along with his vehicle and residence on Washington Avenue in Meriden.

At approximately 6 p.m. on Aug. 11, police said investigators located Johnson outside his home and detained him pursuant to the search warrant.

A subsequent search of Johnson's vehicle resulted in the seizure of suspected fentanyl, suspected crack cocaine, and cash, according to police.

“Investigators then executed the search warrant at Johnson's residence,” police wrote in a news release. “Wallingford Police K-9 Sevro, a Belgian Malinois trained and certified in narcotics detection, assisted investigators and alerted to multiple areas within the residence.

“During the subsequent search, investigators located and seized additional suspected narcotics, drug packaging materials, digital scales, multiple cellular phones, U.S. currency, and a Glock 48 9mm handgun.”

In total, police said investigators seized approximately:

• 415 wax folds containing suspected fentanyl
• Approximately 10 grams of suspected crack cocaine
• $3,184 in cash
• Three digital scales and drug-packaging materials
• Multiple cellular phones
• One Glock 48 9mm handgun

“The investigation also determined that Johnson did not possess a valid Connecticut pistol permit and was subject to an active protective order prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition,” police wrote.

Johnson was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a firearm, possession with intent to sell, operation of a drug factory, possession of a controlled substance, use of drug paraphernalia, and violation of a protective order.

Johnson was released after posting a $100,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

“The Wallingford Police Department would like to thank the Meriden Police Department Crime Suppression Unit for its assistance during this investigation,” police wrote. “This investigation reflects the continued efforts of the Wallingford Police Department to address illegal narcotics activity affecting Wallingford and surrounding communities.”