Crime & Safety

Stamford Pair Facing Cocaine Charges in Darien

Police reportedly found 14 small bags of cocaine in Harold Bonvenuto's vehicle.

A traffic stop near the Norwalk border last week led to two arrests on drug charges and the seizure of more than 11 grams of cocaine, according to .

Harold Bonvenuto, 40, of Stamford was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of narcotics not in their original container, driving on a suspended license, misuse of license plates, and driving an unregistered motor vehicle. He was released after posting a $25,000 bond.

His passenger, 26-year-old Ashley Buzzeo of Stamford, was charged with cocaine possession, marijuana possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also released after posting a $500 bond. Both Bonvenuto and Buzzeo are set to appear in court April 4.

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According to Capt. Fred Komm, an officer parked on Post Road near exit 13 spotted Bonvenuto's 2005 GMC Sierra run a red light around 1:10 a.m. Wedensday. The vehicle reportedly came to an abrupt stop after the light, went into reverse, and headed westbound on Post before diverting onto Norwalk Road when it passed the police cruiser.

When police stopped the vehicle, Komm said the operator appeared "very nervous." The officer ascertained that Bonvenuto's license was suspended and the vehicle registration out of date.

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After reportedly detecting a smell of marijuana, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and the two occupants. Komm said police located 14 small plastic bags containing cocaine, a plastic vial with additional amounts of the drug, a glass pipe and straw with marijuana residue, and a small case with a single buprenorphine pill. The cocaine reportedly amounted to a total of 11.2 grams.

Bonvenuto subsequently admitted to police that he had purchased the cocaine for about $200, Komm said, and was en route to a friend's house to split up the drug for distribution. Buzzeo also admitted that the marijuana in the vehicle belonged to her, according to police.

Bonvenuto and Buzzeo were taken into custody and released after posting bond. Komm said that a dog which had been in the vehicle at the time was also detained by police and passed off to animal control officials.


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