Griswold, CT – A routine traffic stop along a Griswold roadway on Tuesday, Feb. 18 led to the arrest of a Hebron man after Connecticut State Police discovered suspected crack cocaine and seized cash believed to be tied to drug sales, authorities said.
At approximately 8:17 p.m. on February 20, 2025, Troopers from Troop E – Montville observed a vehicle committing motor vehicle violations and initiated a traffic stop, police confirmed.
Upon approaching the driver, identified as Rocky Laurent (DOB 04/10/1978) of Hebron, Troopers noted several indicators suggesting possible criminal activity.
According to the police, this triggers an expanded roadside investigation.
During the course of the investigation, authorities called in K9 Epic, a narcotics detection-certified police dog, to assist. The canine was deployed for a “free air sniff” around the exterior of the vehicle and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics inside the car, police said.
Following K9 Epic’s positive indication, law enforcement proceeded with a search of the vehicle, uncovering a total of 18.5 grams of suspected “crack” cocaine.
Officials confirmed that the amount and packaging of the substance were consistent with street-level drug distribution, police reported.
Additionally, Troopers seized over $280.00 in cash as part of the ongoing investigation.
Laurent was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop E for processing, where he was formally charged with multiple drug-related offenses under the Connecticut General Statutes.
According to law enforcement, the specific charges include:
- C.G.S. 21a-279 – Possession of a Controlled Substance
- C.G.S. 21-277 – Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell
- C.G.S. 14-242 – Improper Turn
After processing, Laurent was released on a $5,000 bond, police said. He is scheduled to appear before Norwich Superior Court on Thursday, March 6.
Authorities did not immediately disclose whether Laurent had retained legal counsel or if further investigations were underway regarding the source or intended recipients of the seized narcotics.
Law enforcement officials have continued to underscore the role of proactive policing and K9 units in drug interdiction efforts. “The use of K9 teams in detecting illegal narcotics remains a critical component of our mission to keep Connecticut communities safe,” an officer from Troop E noted in a statement earlier this month.
The Connecticut State Police encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activity related to narcotics distribution and urged vigilance in helping curb the flow of illicit substances.
The case remains an active investigation, police said.
