NIANTIC, Conn. (AP) -- Federal, state and local authorities arrested about 100 people across southern New England Wednesday, alleging involvement in heroin and cocaine trafficking from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
More than 700 law enforcement officers executed scores of federal and state arrest warrants in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico and Rhode Island, officials said. About 52 people were arrested on federal narcotics and money laundering charges, and 51 were arrested on state narcotics and related charges.
Officials said Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, brought "multi-kilogram quantities" of heroin from his native country. Operating out of his apartment in New London, Conn., Maldonado supplied customers with raw heroin.
Maldonado is accused of obtaining heroin in New York City and Rhode Island.