A bartender and two members of a “French club” in Wallingford have been arrested after an investigation into drugs deals at the club, according to police.
Police said the investigation was into narcotics sales at the St. Pierre Social Club, on Maple Avenue, which is also known as the “French Club.”
"What can you say? I think every bar in America has a drug problem," said an employee who did not want to be identified.
On Thursday, authorities raided the club, which is located on a dead-end street in a residential neighborhood.
Kathryn Vanlinter, of Wallingford, a 47-year-old bartender who was tending bar at the time of the raid, had around a dozen bags of cocaine packaged for sale and more than $1,200 in cash, police said.
She was the only person in charge of the establishment, officers said.
Vanlinter was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of narcotics and criminal attempt at sales of narcotics. She was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on June 23.
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Police said they also seized her car.
A member of the club, 49-year-old Edmund Wambolt, of Wallingford, had crack cocaine and heroin and was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics, police said.
He was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on June 23.
Another club member, Debra Mercurio, 52, of Wallingford, has several bags of cocaine and was charged with possession of narcotics and criminal attempt to possess narcotics, police said.
She was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on June 23.
Employees at the social club said it will be open for business tonight.
Ken Buffa contributed to this report.
