New England drug investigation leads to 4 arrests

DANBURY, Conn. (AP) — Four  men have been arrested in what authorities say was an investigation of a major marijuana distribution ring.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says it seized more than 20 pounds of dried marijuana, 130 plants, 10 guns and $350,000 in cash from homes in Danbury and New Fairfield.

Alexander Lappin of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Matt Michelsen of Danbury; and Nicholas Calamaras and Sean Salasevicius of New Fairfield are charged with conspiring to distribute more than 2,200 pounds of marijuana. Authorities say another arrest is possible.

The News Times of Danbury reports federal agents in 2008 had seized $500,000 from Lappin as part of a drug investigation in Dedham, Mass.

According to an affidavit, Lappin was supplying high-grade marijuana and advice to Calamaras, while the other two were growers.

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Information from: The News-Times