Police Make Parkade Drug Bust

Two men were arrested in the parking lot of the Parkade Plaza on West Middle Turnpike on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013 and charged with drug related offenses. 

Manchester Police received information that a man going by the name of "new" would be arriving in the parking lot of the plaza at approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday evening. John Owens, 29, of 33 Lilac St., Manchester, arrived in the parking lot and was arrested after he sold crack cocaine. 

Owens, who police say has an extensive criminal history in Connecticut, including previous drug arrests, was charged with conspiracy to commit the sale of cocaine and conspiracy possession of cocaine. He was held on a $25,000 bond. 

Police also arrested Vincent LaChance, 49, of 441 South Main St., Manchester, during the investigation and charged him with the same offenses. LaChance was held on a $10,000 bond. 

Police also seized two grams of crack cocaine and $1,491 in cash. 

The arrests were made by members of the East Central Narcotics Task Force, which in cooperation with other municipal, and federal law enforcement agencies, is interested in stopping illegal narcotics sales and use in the Manchester, South Windsor, and Glastonbury communities.  Anyone with information pertaining to any illicit drug activity is asked to contact the East Central Narcotics Task Force at 860-645-5548.  All calls will remain confidential.