NORWICH – Two Norwich residents – one a suspected illegal alien – have been arrested on various charges after the execution of search warrants at two separate locations Friday morning.

During the early morning hours of March 27, the Norwich Police, Chenango County Sheriff’s Department and New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team and uniformed State Troopers entered residences at 31 Hickok Ave. and 72 Plymouth St. Because of the nature of the investigation, the Greene Police Department’s canine unit was also on the scene, assisting with the search warrants.

Arrested were Michael Victor, 28, and Curissa Jenkins, 20, both residents of 31 Hickok Ave. They are both charged with:

• Third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (a Class B felony)

• Third degree criminal possession of marijuana (a Class E felony)

• Second degree criminally using drug paraphernalia (a Class A misdemeanor)

In addition, Victor is also charged with fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class A misdemeanor.

These arrests culminate an investigation into the sale of illegal substances in the City of Norwich. This investigation has been ongoing for approximately two months, according to police. Seized were quantities of crack cocaine, U.S. currency, a loaded firearm and vehicles. Police declined to specify what was seized from which house.

Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino said, “The house on Hickok Ave. was occupied; the house on Plymouth Street was not.”

It was also determined that Victor is an illegal alien and may be in violation of immigration laws. His information has been sent to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Buffalo for further action, Angelino said.

“Because we were aware the subjects were in possession of firearms, we chose to conduct a swift and startling entry using distraction devices,” Angelino said. “We do this for the safety of the police officers, and also for the safety of anyone who may be inside the house.”

Both subjects are currently being held in the Norwich Police Station lock-up pending arraignment in City of Norwich Court.

“The Norwich Police have the training and expertise to bring this type of investigation to a successful conclusion,” Angelino said. “Additionally we were able to use some of the sophisticated equipment that was procured under the Federal Grant program. Residents need to know that we do act on the information they give to us. It just takes time for us to get a good solid case that will hold up in court,” the chief said.