EAST HAVEN, CT (02/05/2017): A Branford man was arrested on Narcotics charges by the East Haven Police Department after K-9 team located a large amount of drugs, including 3.4 grams of cocaine, 37 bags heroin and a quantity of suspected ketamine.

On Sunday, February 5 at approximately 9:21 p.m., East Haven Police Officer Luke Rasile, who was working routine patrol, located a suspicious vehicle backed into a parking space in the parking lot of McDonalds restaurant, 687 Main Street, East Haven.

Upon making contact with the operator, identified as Anthony Cardinali, 27 (DOB 08/25/1989), Officer Rasile observed drug paraphernalia on Cardinali's lap.　 　

Moments later, backup East Haven Police Officer Kevin McGuire and his partner, K-9 Ace, arrived and conducted a narcotics sweep of the vehicle. K-9 Ace located 3.4 grams of cocaine, approximately 37 bags of heroin, (suspected) ketamine and paraphernalia within the vehicle.

Cardinali was arrested and charged with Possession of Narcotics, 21a-279(a)(1), Illegal Manufacture, Distribution, Sale of Narcotics, 21a-278(b) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 21a-267(a).　 He was released on a　$10,000.00 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on February 15.

"This is yet another example of the results of proactive police work mixed with the specialty training of our K-9 program," Lt. Murgo said. " A dual-purpose dog like K-9 Ace who is trained in narcotics detection as well as tracking is a valuable asset to any community."