Alleged Heroin Dealer Caught in Sting Near Conard

An alleged local heroin dealer working down the street from was taken into custody Thursday in an operation by special units of the .

Stephen F. Maldonado, 24, of 25 Beechwood Road was arrested at his home – about 500 yards from Conard – and charged with multiple felony narcotics violations, including the sale of drugs near a school and possession of drugs, police said.

Maldonado was targeted after investigators in the community interaction team received information about heroin sales near the high school, police said. Police seized 30 bags of heroin worth $150, a half-gram of PCP, packaging materials, and $438 in alleged drug sales.

The heroin, packaged in three bundles and stamped “Champions League,” were allegedly sold to a buyer working with CIT and detectives in the special investigations division, police said.

The sting occurred on Beechwood Road, where Maldonado allegedly received traceable money during a street sale near his home. Maldonado was also suspected of selling heroin from a parking on New Britain Avenue at South Main Street, police said.

Police said Maldonado has a history of drug-related incidents in West Hartford. He was charged in January and in March with possession of marijuana, according to arrest records.

Maldonado was initially held on a $50,000 bond and was released on a promise to appear July 29 in Hartford Superior Court.