Community Corner

State Police Bust Shoreline Crystal Meth Drug Factory

The Statewide Narcotics Task Force arrested two men for allegedly running a methamphetamine operation in greater New Haven area, police said.

A three-month long Statewide Narcotics Task Force investigation into a crystal methamphetamine-dealing operation in the greater New Haven area has led to the arrest of two men, as well as the seizure of several bags of illegal drugs, cash and drug-making items.

According to Connecticut State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance, on the evening of March 19, detectives from the task force's South Central Field Office executed a search warrant for 9 North Bank Street in New Haven.

The two targets of the investigation — Ernest Canteen, 42, and Michael Lotto, 51 — both live at the North Bank Street home, which is owned by Lotto.

Search Warrant Executed

The search of the residence, which police allege was used as a drug factory, was conducted by detectives and lead to the seizure of the following:

  • Crystal meth (74.6g)
  • Heroin (250 bags)
  • Marijuana (2.2g)
  • Liquid Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (27.5 oz)
  • 7 Hydrocodone pills (200mg)
  • 9 Hydrocodone pills (650mg)
  • 7 Clonazepam pills (2mg)
  • 11 Vicodin pills
  • Drug factory paraphernalia
  • $2,828 in cash
Multiple Charges

Vance said both Canteen and Lotto were taken into police custody, and charged with the following:

  • Possession of Narcotics With Intent To Sell
  • Possession Of Narcotics
  • Possession of Narcotics Within 1500 ft school zone
  • Possession of Controlled Substance
  • Possession of Controlled Substance With Intent To Sell
  • Possession of GHB
  • Possession of GHB With Intent To Sell
  • Drug Factory Charges
Both Canteen and Lotto are being held in lieu of a cash bond and will appear in Superior Court in New Haven on March 20.

Milford Drug Arrest


Earlier this year, Canteen was arrested by Milford Police on Jan. 30 after he allegedly was found in possession of crystal meth, marijuana and GHP with the intent to sell.


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