Search of CT apartment reveals evidence of 'drug factory'

A man was accused of operating a drug factory out of his Norwalk apartment after a search revealed several different drugs and evidence of narcotics trafficking, police said.

Keith Johnson, 33, was arrested Tuesday as he approached his residence at the Waypointe Apartment complex, according to a statement released by Lt. Tomasz Podgorski of the Norwalk Police Department.

He was apprehended by members of the department's Special Services Division who were surveilling the complex while waiting to execute a search warrant, Podgorski said.

According to Podgorski, police conducted a lengthy investigation into Johnson and allegations that he was involved in drug trafficking.

On Tuesday, a search of his apartment allegedly revealed “a large quantity of narcotics,” including 1,167 packages of fentanyl weighing 292 grams, loose powder fentanyl weighing 84 grams, loose MDMA/fentanyl powder weighing seven grams, crack cocaine bulk weighing 15 grams and 739 ecstasy pills containing fentanyl weighing 330 grams, Podgorski said.

Investigators also reported discovering “numerous items used to facilitate a drug factory,” including four scales, cutting agent, stamps, a blender and $1,103, according to Podgorski.

Johnson was arrested following the search and charged with possession of a controlled substance (first offense), sale of one ounce or more of heroin/methadone, operating a drug factory, use of drug paraphernalia and risk of injury to a child.

Johnson's bond was set at $350,000. He is due to appear before a judge on June 11.