NEWS RELEASE
(October 10, 2008)
On Thursday, October 9, 2008 at approximately 7:30 p.m., members of the Grafton Police Department executed search warrants for 62-64 Sampson St. in the Town of Grafton with the assistance of the Blackstone Valley Drug Task Force, Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (CEMLEC) SWAT Unit, Worcester County Regional Drug and Counter Crime Task Force and the Shrewsbury Police Department. The search warrants were authorized by the Westboro District Court as the result of a two month investigation initiated by Grafton Officer Liam O’Rourke. Officer O’Rourke received information that the occupant of 62-64 Sampson St. was growing marijuana in a vacant portion of the two family dwelling.
Officers conducting the search found a sophisticated indoor marijuana cultivating operation including over 130 Marijuana plants. Based on U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) standards, the weight of the marijuana was estimated at over 50 pounds with a street value of over $150,000.00. Officers also found equipment and materials for harvesting and packaging the marijuana to make ready for street sale. Officers also seized approximately $5000.00 in cash.
As a result of the search, the owner of the dwelling, DAVID J. BRUSA, age 36, was placed under arrest and charged with Trafficking in Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class D Substance (Marijuana), Possession with Intent to Distribute in a School Zone, Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substances Act and Possession of a Class A drug (Oxycontin.) Brusa was taken to Grafton Police Headquarters and later transported to the Westboro District Court for arraignment.
Grafton officers assisting with investigation and subsequent arrest included Lt. Wayne Tripp, Detective William Kuck, Officer Robert Collette, Sergeant John Harrington and Officer Michael Rybak. It should be noted that this investigation resulted in the largest seizure of marijuana in the Grafton Police Department’s history.
Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.
Chief of Police