SOUTHBRIDGE — Members of the Detective Division arrested a Connecticut man on multiple firearm and narcotics charges Thursday following a targeted operation that marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation into illicit drug activity.
Samson J. Normandin, 28, of 22 Pine Street in Waterford, Connecticut, was taken into custody at approximately 9:30 p.m. after detectives observed him in the Central Street area.
Detectives had been conducting surveillance in the Central Street area when they observed a vehicle arrive in the parking lot.
The driver exited the vehicle and walked toward Dean Street, according to police.
During the investigation, detectives recovered suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine and cocaine, all packaged for distribution.
A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded additional suspected cocaine packaged for distribution and a firearm with numerous live rounds of ammunition.
Police also recovered suspected oxycodone hydrochloride.
Normandin was charged with trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in fentanyl, possession of a class B substance, possession of a firearm without a license to carry, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, improper storage of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The arrest is connected to an ongoing investigation into drug activity centered around 16 Dean Street.
Since January, more than 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with drug activity in and around the Dean Street address.
In May, a search warrant executed at the same location resulted in the seizure of crack cocaine and ammunition.
Normandin was held on $25,000 cash bail pending his arraignment in Dudley District Court on Friday.
