NORWICH - Two Norwich residents were arrested June 15 after police executed a search warrant at a Cortland Street apartment as part of an investigation into illegal drug sales.

Norwich Police Chief Matthew Roberts said the operation removed, “a significant source of criminal activity” from the neighborhood and said the department would continue targeting drug trafficking in the city.

Roberts said officers entered the apartment at 41 Cortland St. early that morning after using an unmanned aerial system, a drone, to assist with planning and officer safety. The Village of Sidney Police Department assisted at the scene with a narcotics-detection dog.

Police arrested Shawn A. Utter, 39, and Brittany L. Cox, 24, both of Norwich.

During the search, officers seized large amounts of cash, drug-measuring equipment, suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, assorted pills, a stun gun, illegal bladed weapons and numerous CO2-powered replica firearms, Roberts said.

"This successful operation is a reminder that the City of Norwich Police Department and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who choose to traffic dangerous narcotics in our community,” said Roberts.

Police reported Utter was already on parole and under supervision of the State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision at the time of his arrest. Parole authorities and Norwich officers responded to the scene with an issued parole warrant, said Roberts.

“While this investigation only addresses one problem location, it removes a significant source of criminal activity that has negatively impacted this neighborhood for far too long. I am extremely proud of our officers and partner agencies for completing this high-risk objective. We will remain proactive in our efforts to protect our residents, improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and keep our children and community safe,” said the police chief.

Utter was sent to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court proceedings.

Utter was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a class B felony; third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony; two counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony; three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor; two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class D felony; first-degree criminal nuisance, a class E felony; and fourth-degree conspiracy, a class E felony.

Cox was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree criminal nuisance and fourth-degree conspiracy.

Cox was arraigned in Norwich City Court and sent to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail.

The Norwich Police Department thanked the Village of Sidney Police Department and the NY Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for assisting with the case.