He has also been convicted on federal charges of counterfeiting and was released from prison on parole in January 2006. Thirteen kilograms of cocaine, nearly two kilograms of heroin, about a half kilogram of crack cocaine, as well as a significant amount well over a pound of methamphetamine, he said. The U.S. Attorneys Office will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to stem the drug trade in our cities, and the violence associated with it, by prosecuting those involved in this criminal behavior.. ", First published on August 15, 2018 / 11:15 AM. The Associated Press contributed to this report. There have been six homicides in the city to date this year but officials did not say whether any of them are connected to the arrests Wednesday. Reyes said the joint city, state, federal investigation remains in progress. Two men are facing charges after a drug bust in Hamden on Monday.. Police say 31-year-old Thomas Frizell of East Haven and 21-year-old Dandre Deshields of Hamden were arrested following a lengthy . (Patch graphic) NEW HAVEN, CT A West Haven resident was among the 25 people arrested Wednesday on federal drug charges in connection to gang-related . Eighteen of the defendants were arrested Wednesday, five defendants were already in custody and two defendants are still being sought, officials said. He said a few people fell ill Thursday morning, but it wasn't immediately clear if they used the same bad batch of synthetic marijuana. If convicted of this offense, based on the type and quantity of narcotics charged, Julius, Merritt, Carr, Burruss, Crosley and Bellamy face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, officials said. These people arent scientists, they dont know 100 percent what theyre doing, so Id hate to see people get hurt. Sheriffs officials also said undercover detectives contacted Diana Salas Patino, 30, of Warner Robbins, Ga.to arrange for the delivery of a large amount of methamphetamine and cocaine to a location in Lakeland. TIFFANY BROWN, also known as Tiff, 39 of New Haven. Symptoms varied. Speaking at a Thursday afternoon press conference, law enforcement said investigators have seized more than 4.5 million fentanyl pills, 66 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 138 kilograms of cocaine, 3,100 pounds of methamphetamine, 35 kilograms of hoeing, 49 firearms, and more than $2 million. of marijuana with intent to sell over 1 kilo, Poss. No deaths were reported in either outbreak. Police Chief Otoniel Reyes said the group is allegedly responsible for multiple homicides and shootings in the city and beyond, including the lions share of the gun violence in the city.. PCSO still seek another suspect, Border Patrol: PCSO will back up agencies sending employees to border. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin., As alleged, these drug trafficking networks have been responsible for the distribution of significant quantities of heroin, crack and cocaine in Connecticut and Massachusetts, said Connecticut U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, in the release. New Dogs, Cats, Pets Available For Adoption In The New Haven Area. Central Connecticut State University honors life, March Madness highlights problem gambling, Skier Shiffrins quest for 86th win extended after, Olympic ticket sales for Paris Games gets off to, 7 Cubs pitchers combine for no-hitter vs Machado,, Mikal Bridges helps Nets rally to stun Celtics, 115-105, NASCAR star Elliott has leg surgery after snowboard, The Remedys Cultured Caf: New Havens Spot to Eat, Free Covid-19 vaccine clinic available at Community, ACES Open Choice Program Now Accepting Student, Fuchs Financial: The How to Retire Blueprint. A locked padlock An official website of the United States government. Alejandrino " Baby Boo " DeJesus, 38, of the Fair Haven section of the city, admitted to his role in a drug dealing conspiracy in New Haven in August when he pleaded guilty to one count of. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the cash and Merritts 2018 Nissan Maxima, the release said. Deutsche promised to be a responsible landlord in New Haven. Its cross-border operations stretch deep into the United States, reaching states far from the border including Minnesota, Washington State, and Rhode Island, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. This investigation is being conducted by the FBIs New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. The indictment charges Julius, Merritt, Carr, Backman, Atkinson, Williams, Brazier, Burruss, Brandy, Turner, Crosley, Roman, Smith, Carter, Senior, Bellamy, Moore and Armstrong with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base (crack), cocaine and heroin. He will be arraigned at Superior Court GA #23 New Haven today 12/9/10. This is a carousel. NEW HAVEN, CT Authorities announced the arrest of 25 people Wednesday on federal drug charges in connection to gang-related activity in and around New Haven. WaWa, 40, of Hamden, SHAVAR BELLAMY, a.k.a. What started as a simple call about a suspicious package two days agoended with some seriously bad drugs taken off the streets, and nine drug dealers behind bars, saidPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Connecticut State Police Make Drug Bust In New Haven. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Have a question about Government Services? The case began to unfold after PSCO officials said a detective on June 23 responded to a shipping facility in Winter Haven regarding a suspicious package. NEW HAVEN, CT A West Haven resident was among the 25 people arrested Wednesday on federal drug charges in connection to gang-related activity in and around New Haven, according to authorities. A multi-agency investigation targeting the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Its very volatile. Nine people have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug trafficking investigation by the Polk County Sheriffs Office. The U.S. Attorneys Office will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to stem the drug trade in our cities, and the violence associated with it, by prosecuting those involved in this criminal behavior.. "DEA Arizona is laser-focused on the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. In addition, Merritt is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. JERRELL JAMISON, also known as Rell and Big Bro, 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment District of Connecticut On April 12, 2019, Merritt was arrested after a search of his vehicle revealed a Berretta 9 mm pistol and two loaded gun magazines, the release said. Waterbury Police say they were raiding the home as part of a bigger drug trafficking investigation. On behalf of the New Haven Police Department, I want to thank the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners for their work in this investigation and for the ongoing collaboration to reduce gun violence and improve the quality of life for the citizens of New Haven, Reyes said. When police busted what they call a psychedelic drug factory at 548 Woodward Ave. in New Haven Thursday, they stumbled across one of the largest drug seizures in the state -- $3 million.. The city also saw more than a dozen synthetic marijuana overdoses in late January. Those indicted are associated with the Island Brothers, a group once centered around Quinnipiac Avenue, Lt. Karl Jacobson said. On 12/08/10 the shipment of marijuana in several boxes wrapped as Christmas packages were delivered to the accused by the informant. Police arrested Ryan Canfield, 32, on several charges, including operating a drug factory. A federal jury in New Haven has found RAMON OQUENDO, also known as Mimo, 46, of Waterbury, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. He praised the collaborative effort Wednesday. Main Office: Merritt also is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the release said. Today, we stand together to reinforce, to anyone that would choose to pick up a gun in the city of New Haven, that we will not tolerate gun violence in our city.. On behalf of the New Haven Police Department, I want to thank the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners for their work in this investigation and for the ongoing collaboration to reduce gun violence and improve the quality of life for the citizens of New Haven, Reyes said. KISHON SHIELDS, also known as L.A. and Key, 24, of New Haven Psycho and Mel, 62, of New Haven, Todays takedown is yet another example of our great working relationship with the New Haven Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners across the state, Turner said. Speaking at a Thursday afternoon press conference, law enforcement said investigators have seized more than 4.5 million fentanyl pills, 66 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 138 kilograms of cocaine,. Some victims tested positive for the powerful opioid fentanyl, but it appeared most if not all the overdoses were caused only by a potent batch of "K2" synthetic marijuana, said Dr. Kathryn Hawk, an emergency medicine physician and professor at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where many of the victims were treated. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This clandestine laboratory was in fact not your normal clandestine laboratory. Connecticut Troopers arranged to coordinate a narcotics investigation as the narcotics were being delivered in Connecticut. "This bust is just one example of the fine work being done by these detectives.. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Antrum Coston, of New Haven. Mac and Bridgeport, 43, of West Haven, TYRESE STANLEY, a.k.a. December 9, 2010. According to deputies, PSCO obtained a search warrant for the Winter Haven residence where the package was to be delivered and arrested Stacy Nylen, 41, of Winter Haven and Shawn Sutter, 41 of Pinellas Park. On April 12, Merritt was arrested after a search of his vehicle revealed a Berretta 9mm pistol and two loaded gun magazines. NEW HAVEN, Conn. --The number of overdose victims linked to a suspected bad batch of synthetic marijuana has risen to at least 76 in New Haven, Connecticut, as officials try to determine exactly what sickened people. At the time of Merritts arrest, he was also in the possession of $73,343 in cash and six cellphones, according to authorities. Lil B, LB and Little Black, 33, of New Haven. I was just trying to figure out what was going on.. The indictment charges Julius, Merritt, Carr, Backman, Atkinson, Williams, Brazier, Burruss, Brandy, Turner, Crosley, Roman, Smith, Carter, Senior, Bellamy, Moore and Armstrong with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base, or crack, cocaine and heroin, federal authorities said in a release. The hallucinogenicwas made in two places, police said. Also, Frank Carr, aka FL, 52; Anderson Atkinson, aka Barry, 58; Jeffrey Brazier, 49; Mervin Brandy, 52; Wanda Carter, aka WaWa, 40; Dena Draughn, 55, all of Hamden; Makene Jacobs, aka Mac and Bridgeport, 43, of West Haven; Jamaine Jackson, aka Jack, 45, of Bridgeport; Prishonna Turner, aka Nonnie, 23, of Hartford; and Shaun Armstrong, 39, and Matthew Moore, aka Matt, 44, both of Fitchburg, Mass. It remains illegal at the federal level. Hed allegedly made three kilos, worth three million dollars. It could result in people getting really hurt, explosions. A grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment Tuesday related to the distribution of crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin in Connecticut and Massachusetts, U.S. States Attorney for. of marijuana with intent to sell within 1500 school. However, an eighth grader could download the recipe, Merced said. Some of those indicted Wednesday are older, and already have been to prison and released. The drug being made, Dimethyltryptamine, or DMT as the drug is known, is a psychedelic drug usually produced in household labs. According to officials, units responded to a residence on Winnett Street and arrested 20-year-old Phillip Moye on the. Some just became nauseous or lethargic. NEW HAVEN City police and federal authorities announced 25 members of an alleged drug ring responsible for recent violence in the city were indicted Wednesday. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, and revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Mass. As a result of the investigation, sheriff's officials say they confiscated approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, 417 grams of oxycodone, four guns, a 2021 GMC Canyon ZR2 and $62,300 in cash. A grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment Tuesday related to the distribution of crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin in Connecticut and Massachusetts, U.S. States Attorney for Connecticut John H. Durham announced in a joint press release with Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, and New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes. New Haven first responders were called to a similar overdose outbreak on the Green on July 4, when more than a dozen people became sick from synthetic marijuana. He appeared in court Friday and and was set at $500,000 bond. On February 15, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging the eight defendants with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute various quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base ("crack") and cocaine. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration tested some of the synthetic marijuana seized in New Haven and did not find fentanyl, said Fontana, the city's emergency operations director. March 14th 2023 "Live" Virtual CT Real Estate Licensing Classes! The home is at 1591 East Main Street right across the street from Hamilton Park, where kids go to play. In addition narcotics detectives seized bank records and other financial documents at both addresses. Theres some gang activity and theres a lot of drug trafficking activity, but what got us on to this group was the violence, said Jacobson. Additional arrests were made related to the case: David King, 40, of Winter Haven, Shaun Lehoe, 42, of Bradenton and James Hall, 47, of Sarasota as each person reportedly met individually with undercover detectives in attempts to purchase large amounts of methamphetamine, according to the PSCO. Market data provided by Factset. Connecticut Troopers arranged to coordinate a narcotics investigation as the narcotics were being delivered in Connecticut. Man Arrested On Drug, Gun Charges: West Haven Police, New Urgent Care Center Opens In West Haven, New Pets Up For Adoption At West Haven Area Shelters, Crews Respond To Structure Fire In West Haven. If convicted of this offense, based on the quantity of heroin charged, Backman, Atkinson and Draughn face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. All of our efforts are aimed at improving the quality of life of all law-abiding residents of Connecticut.. Please enter valid email address to continue. Scoot, 29, of New Haven, MELVIN ROBERTS, a.k.a. JEREMIAH HARGROVE, also known as Myers and Miah, 39, of New Haven Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. Drug ring busted, 23 face federal charges. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2021, the New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department began investigating Spearman and others for the distribution of narcotics in and around the West Hills neighborhood, including the McConaughy Terrace housing complex, in New Haven. Narcotics Detectives secured two search warrants one in New Haven and one in Guilford. "Yesterday was extremely, extremely busy, something we haven't seen in quite some time, a lot of people dropping all at the same time," Fontana said. When the accused, Julio Ramos (DOB: 07/24/81) of 125 Old Sachems Head Road, Guilford accepted the shipment he was taken custody by Connecticut State Police Narcotics detectives. The investigation revealed that Smith, Duarte, Reyes and Holcomb were distributing heroin and crack cocaine throughout the New Haven area. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, according to authorities. On 12/06/10, the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force developed information regarding a large shipment of marijuana that was being transported to the New . Never mind the negative things it brings to the area, Janeen Powers said. As part of the case, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into a New Haven-based drug trafficking network headed by Michael Smith, also known as "Head," in 2019, federal . When Merritt was arrested, he had $73,343 in cash and six cell phones on him. EAST HAVEN, CT Under investigation by numerous federal agencies since last year, a bust in East Haven Monday saw two from New Haven arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine and fentanyl . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Middletown, Connecticut 06457. NEW HAVEN, Conn. Police arrested a suspect Tuesday and seized over $300,000 along with 4.5 "bricks" of heroin. The DEA says the Sinaloa Drug Cartel is responsible for nearly all deadly narcotics flooding into Arizona and the nation. A second team of Connecticut State Police Narcotics Detectives executed a search & seizure warrant at 125 Old Sachem Head Road in Guilford where additional marijuana and cash were seized at the Guilford location. Today we reinforce our commitment and we move a step closer to making the city (safe) from gun violence, said Reyes. U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New Haven Police Acting Chief Renee Dominguez today announced that eight individuals have been charged with federal offenses related to the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, crack and powder cocaine in the New Haven area. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Hartford Hospital's Transplant Team Saves Lives Every Day, NBC & Telemundo Connecticut Job Opportunities. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Updated on: August 16, 2018 / 1:52 PM The indictment also charges several defendants with one or more counts related to the distribution of various narcotics. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. The indictment also charges Backman, Atkinson, Jackson, Jacobs, Stanley, Roberts and Draughn with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin. I credit all the members of the FBI Safe Streets/Gang Task Force for their great work in this investigation, which has disrupted the flow of a significant amount of cocaine and fentanyl into Connecticut, said U.S. Attorney Boyle. If convicted of the most serious charges in the indictment, Spearman faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Hillard faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and Horton, Martinez, Shields, Gory, Hargrove and Brown face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The other defendants, if convicted of this charge, face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (I) Came home at 2:30 and saw the cops and everything. Lock That drew this reaction from a parkgoer News 8 spoke with, asking how he now feels walking his dogs there. Im in shock. In this case, it was being made in the basement of the house and in a motor home in the back yard, police said. JAMAINE JACKSON, a.k.a. Others vomited. Posted Wed, Jul 10, 2019 at 5:57 pm ET. No one has been charged with a specific homicide, Jacobson said. Barry, 58, of Hamden, ERIC BURRUSS, a.k.a. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The Island Brothers were very active in the city in the late 1980s and early 90s, and profited from drug dealing and associated violence, but prosecutions decades later still targeted alleged members of the gang. Interim Police Chief Josie Montenegro said the narcotics would have been "poisoning members of our community, including our youth and our vulnerable population," had they not been seized. Legal Statement. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 157 Church Street An official in the city said Wednesday there were a total of 25 overdoses over a three-hour span and that some overdoses were "in multiples of 4-6 at a time." The indictment also charges Backman, Atkinson, Jackson, Jacobs, Stanley, Roberts and Draughn with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin. As a result of the investigation, sheriff's officials . Ramos was charged with numerous narcotics violations and held on $750,000 bond. Officials said three people have been arrested in connection with the overdoses, including a man who may have been giving out free samples of K2. , Stone Academy closure leaves graduates in limbo, Doctor discusses benefits of Mediterranean diet, Hartford Athletic unveils wacky new mascot, Hartford team bonds hockey players who are blind, CT gets $18M to prevent chemicals from entering water, Wallingford locals frustrated with troublesome youths, PD: 2 arrested in fatal Vernon trench collapse, Conn. farmers advocate for $300B federal ag bill, Traveler taken to hospital from Bradley airport, Hartford official, who union wanted fired, to resign, 2 teens charged with assault for Waterbury school, Shelter needs to find homes for over 30 animals, Rat population on the rise in Connecticut, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Drug packaging material (bags, elastic bands and scales). Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. He said the Green has become "a place of despair" and "no longer an attraction for families or economic development. Officials said the pills represented 30 million potentially lethal doses. Police also arrested two people they suspect were part of an extensive drug . or redistributed. Last September, Mr. Pettola was one of several New Haven officers on hand at a press conference to announce what may be the largest drug bust in Connecticut history. The state Senate Republican leader, Len Fasano, of North Haven, criticized New Haven officials on Thursday for not addressing drug use on the Green. New Haven Police Department police cruisers. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. It ends up in the drug trade here, in this community, which is devastating, ravaging our citizens, Chief Spagnolo said. The Task Force includes participants from theNew Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, East Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Correction. Two men from Reston, Virginia, 23-year-old Jourdan Maniray and 20-year-old I'real Jones, were charged with possession with intent to sell over 1 kilogram of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. Reyes said the series of arrests will help quell violence in the city. On 12/08/10 the shipment of marijuana in several boxes wrapped as Christmas packages were delivered to the accused by the informant. A joint investigation by Waterbury police and the Drug Enforcement Agency's New Haven task force determined Nestor Sosa-Ortiz, 35, led the organization that received drugs from suppliers in . A joint investigation between Tempe, Arizona, police and the Drug Enforcement Administration targeting the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel has culminated in 150 individuals charged and the seizure of millions of deadly fentanyl pills. "Today's emergency is deeply troubling and illustrative of the very real and serious threat that illicit street drugs pose to health of individuals," the Democratic governor said in a statement. He is due back in court on June 9. Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. "There are few families in our state and across our country that haven't been touched in some way by the scourge of the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis," Attorney General Kris Mayes said. Last year, in 2020, Waterbury saw well over 400 non-fatal overdoses, well over a hundred fatal overdoses in this community and thats a tragedy.. After Connecticut State Police took Ramos into custody both search & seizure warrants were executed, one at this address, where a large amount of cash was seized. A second team of Connecticut State Police Narcotics Detectives executed a search & seizure warrant at 125 Old Sachem Head Road in Guilford where additional marijuana and cash were seized at the Guilford location. This case is the response to some of those demands for action by residents. A lock ( (New Haven Police) NEW HAVEN Even though a 33-year-old local man had a valid medical marijuana card, police said it did not allow him to smoke the drug while driving.