Two arrested in Shelton marijuana bust in Connecticut


When Connecticut police first got the call to Shelton Storage at 273 Canal Street, Connecticut they expected to find a few marijuana plants. What they found was something much more elaborate.

Owners first went in to clean out the building when they stumbled upon what Connecticut police are now calling an elaborate, sophisticated marijuana cultivation area.

Tucked away in a hidden compartment of the Connecticut building were more than 40 marijuana plants, lighting systems, reflective wall paneling and other drug paraphernalia.

Connecticut police arrested Eric Wider, 38, of East Haven, who works at the adjacent Canal Street building.

His employer is firearms manufacturer Charter 2000, which Connecticut police say is not involved in the crime.

"I don't think the company had any knowledge, first of all, that their employee was doing this and that actual company had nothing to do with the space that is in a remote and rear part of this building," said Connecticut Det. Sgt. Michael Madden, Shelton Police.

Wider's arrest led Connecticut police to make a second arrest. That person is identified as 34-year-old John David Champagney of Stratford, Connecticut. Connecticut police seized marijuana and drug paraphernalia from Champagney's Connecticut home.