UPDATED: Norwich police discover marijuana-growing operation, arrest couple

Norwich – Police on Friday arrested a couple after uncovering an extensive marijuana growing operation of about 80 plants at a Sachem Street apartment.

Police said the detective division went to 49 Sachem St., Apt. 7, around 2 p.m. Resident John Barry, 54, had an active warrant for his arrest related to four counts of sale of heroin, police said.

While searching the home on a narcotics-related search warrant, police discovered the extensive operation and about 80 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. Police seized the plants, growing paraphernalia and some heroin.

Barry and his wife, Michelle Barry, 51, each were arrested on charges of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana within 1,500 feet of a school, possession of heroin, possession of heroin within 1,500 feet of a school and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The apartment is within 1,500 feet of Norwich Free Academy, police said.

John Barry is held on $300,000 bond while Michelle Barry was processed and released on $10,000 bond, police said. Both are scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court on Feb. 16.

The Norwich Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident or any criminal activity in Norwich to call the Norwich Police Department at 860-886-5561, or the Anonymous Tip Line at 860-886-5561, ext. 500.