Bust Yields 500 Grams of Cocaine

Arrest information provided by the Stratford Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.

Stratford police last week seized nearly 500 grams of cocaine and more than $13,000 in US currency from a suspected drug dealer's home in Trumbull.

Eduardo Nieves of 155 White Plains Road is charged with operating a drug factory, among other offenses, after Stratford detectives executed a search and seizure warrant on the Trumbull man's home and car on Friday, Jan. 11.

The bust culminated a month-long investigation into narcotic sales in Stratford. Police said surveillance discovered Nieves, 31, leaving his home in Trumbull and driving to various locations in Stratford where he dealt crack and powder cocaine.

Most of the cocaine, money and drug paraphernalia were located in a safe in the upstairs bedroom of the home, police said. Detectives found a smaller amount of narcotics and cash in the car.

In total, 497 grams of cocaine and $13,773 were seized, as well as a Honda Pilot SUV and a flat-screen television due to the suspicion that the items were bought with drug money, police said.

Veronica Valdovino, the girlfriend of Nieves who shares the same address, told detectives she knew about the narcotics trafficking and was hoping it'd stop.

Valdovino was charged with risk of injury to a minor; possession with intent to sell narcotics; and conspiracy to sell more than a half ounce of crack cocaine. She posted $1,000 bond and in due in court Jan. 25.

Nieves was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell; possession with intent to sell more than a half ounce of crack cocaine; operating a drug factory; possession of drug paraphernalia; and risk of injury to a minor.

Nieves was held in lieu of $250,000 bond. He is due back in court Feb. 4.