CT man arrested after K-9 alerts state police to possible drugs during DUI investigation

A 28-year-old man was arrested after a state police K-9 alerted troopers to possible narcotics during a traffic stop in Norwich.

A 28-year-old man was arrested after a state police dog alerted troopers to possible narcotics during a DUI investigation in Norwich, state police said.

Troopers assigned to Troop E in Montville were traveling on Laurel Hill Avenue in Norwich around 2:14 a.m. on Wednesday when they saw an oncoming vehicle weaving into the opposing lane. Troopers avoided being hit by the vehicle and immediately turned around to initiate a traffic stop, according to the Connecticut State Police.

After making contact with the driver, identified as Dillen B. Dye of Norwich, troopers allege that Dye was exhibiting signs of possible impairment, state police said. Troopers administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests at the scene, which Dye allegedly failed, according to state police.

During the investigation, troopers alleged that they observed signs of possible criminal activity in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and deployed Connecticut State Police Narcotics Detection dog Epic to search, state police said.

Epic reportedly alerted troopers to the presence of illegal narcotics within the trunk area of the vehicle, according to state police. A search of the vehicle led troopers to reportedly locate and seize 10.5 grams of suspected cocaine with packaging, 422 grams of suspected marijuana with packaging, an electronic scale and money, state police said.

Based on the reported findings, Dye was taken into custody and transported to Troop E where he was charged with operating under the influence and failure to maintain lane. For those charges, Dye was released on a $500 non-surety bond, according to state police.

In addition, Dye is charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell, two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of operation of a drug factory. On those charges, Dye is free on a $5,000 surety bond, state police said.

Dye is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 11, 2024, at Superior Court in Norwich, according to state police.