NORWICH – Two men are in county jail today, each on $1 million bail, accused of conspiring to kill a Norwich police officer and a retired police chief.

The Wednesday arrests came after a drug investigation by the New York State Police, Norwich City Police Department, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Division of Parole.

Mathew C. Smith, 27, of the Elmira and Norwich area, and Robert W. Gallo Jr., 25, of 22 Sheldon St., Norwich, were both charged with second degree conspiracy, a class B felony. Allegedly the two were planning to kill two city police officers and even attempted to purchase a firearm for the attack.

Acting City Court Judge Maureen Byrne entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the two defendants yesterday afternoon until legal counsel could be obtained to represent them.

While being informed of his rights by the judge, Smith responded by saying, “ I don’t need an attorney. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just want my right to a speedy trial.”

Both men denied the charges while leaving court Wednesday, saying they were the target of false accusations by the police.

“During the course of an investigation into local drug activity in the City of Norwich, a possible threat was uncovered. While evaluating the threats, the parties involved committed an overt act to follow through with those threats,” said Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino.