Police say Hartford firefighters responding to a smoke condition at an apartment building ended up finding a marijuana grow operation in the apartment of a city DPW employee.
A Hartford Department of Public Works employee has been placed on leave after police found a marijuana grow lab in his apartment, according to police.
Hartford police said they learned about it when firefighters responded to a fire alarm in the 300 block of Main Street in Hartford Wednesday and contacted them.
The resident, 58-year-old Elton Trader, of Hartford, admitted his involvement, according to the Hartford police report.
Photos from police show several marijuana plants and equipment used to cultivate them.
Trader was charged with cultivation of marijuana, operation of a drug factory, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
NBC Connecticut reached out to DPW and they did not comment. Fire officials said Trader is on administrative leave without pay.
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Trader appeared in court Thursday and his case has been continued to Sept. 28.
NBC Connecticut reached out to Trader by phone and he did not comment.
