NORWICH – The Norwich Police Department arrested two city residents on drug charges Thursday night after executing a search warrant at a Fair Street apartment.

Christopher S. Purdy, 40, 28 Fair St. Apt. 201, Norwich, was charged with first degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

District Attorney Joseph A. McBride said the charge is a Class A-1 felony, the highest in New York State, and carries with it a possible life sentence if Purdy is convicted.

Police say they discovered more than half a pound of cocaine and two ounces of marijuana in Purdy’s vehicle parked on Cortland Street following his arrest.

Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino said the seized cocaine alone had a street value in excess of $25,000.

Purdy was also charged with fourth degree criminal possession of marijuana and second degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.