Ellington Man Busted for Drug Sales in Vernon

Vernon police and members of the East Central Narcotics Task Force have arrested an Ellington man after a six-week investigation into the illegal sale of prescription drugs, according to a task force news release.

The task force held four warrants for Howard Russell, 40, who resides at 15 Village St. in Ellington, after he sold drugs to an undercover officer, according the news release. The sales took place within 1,500 feet of St. Joseph's School in Vernon, the task force said.

In cooperation with the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, authorities secured a warrant, searched Russell's home and seized additional evidence, according the news release.

Russell was taken into custody on Thursday, according to the news release.

Charges against Russell include the sale of narcotics, possession of narcotics and both the sale and possession of narcotics in a school zone.

Three of the warrants carried a $50,000 bond and the fourth carried a $40,000 bond, the task force said.

Russell was scheduled for an arraignment in Vernon Superior Court today.

the East Central Narcotics Task Force is a cooperastive effort by police in Vernon, Manchester, SouthWindsor and Glastonbury.