The charges stem from an investigation headed by the FBIs New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the Island Brothers street gang in New Haven. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Canfield has been convicted for selling drugs in Massachusetts and had two weeks left on his parole. WEST HAVEN, Conn. After a months-long investigation, the West Haven Police Street Crime Unit announced a major drug bust Thursday. 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 Haven area. or redistributed. Arizona is a major distribution site of the deadly opioid, with the state accounting for more than half of all fentanyl pills seized by DEA agents nationwide in 2022, FOX 10 reports. Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Market data provided by Factset. On June 16, Atkinson and Draughn were arrested in connection with the seizure of approximately 10,000 bags 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, Durham said in a statement. 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. A multi-agency investigation targeting the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. 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 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Have a question about Government Services? 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. The other defendants, if convicted of this charge, face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. 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. General and J, 36, of New Haven, CARL MERRITT, a.k.a. On February 4, 2022, investigators arrested Spearman and Hillard after they met in the Bronx, New York, and a search of Hillards car revealed more than 7,000 folds of suspected heroin/fentanyl and approximately $30,000 in cash. In this case, it was being made in the basement of the house and in a motor home in the back yard, police said. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. Drug ring busted, 23 face federal charges. 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. 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. Inside the package was 42 half pound bags of meth. , 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). City officials said police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel will staff a command post on the Green for the time being, and social workers and private health outreach workers will be on hand. Middletown, Connecticut 06457. These people arent scientists, they dont know 100 percent what theyre doing, so Id hate to see people get hurt. On Tuesday, multiple Police agencies carried out a search warrant at a home in . C, 39, of New Haven, BRIAN K. BACKMAN, a.k.a. Barry, 58, of Hamden, ERIC BURRUSS, a.k.a. 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. All rights reserved. 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.. No deaths were reported in either outbreak. CHARGES: Poss. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. Officers began investigating a large scale international. The state Senate Republican leader, Len Fasano, of North Haven, criticized New Haven officials on Thursday for not addressing drug use on the Green. 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. West Haven police said local officers and agents with the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration found 1,700 pounds of marijuana on Wednesday when they stopped a U-Haul truck while investigating what they called an international marijuana trafficking operation. 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. Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. 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. (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 . Lil B, LB and Little Black, 33, of New Haven. We will not stop," DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz said in a statement. He is due back in court on June 9. Investigators said the street value of the drugs is more than $13 million, while the fentanyl seized potentially represented 30 million lethal doses. At the time of Merritts arrest, he was also in the possession of $73,343 in cash and six cellphones, according to authorities. Lock Police respond to the scene of multiple overdoses at a Connecticut-area park on Wed., Aug. 15, 2018. Inside Conyers car, police say they found: Inside Ortiz car, police say they found: Chief Spagnolo says getting drugs off the streets is a top priority because of the crisis situation they lead to on the streets contributing to Waterburys nightmarish opioid fight. 0:50. Obituary: Stephen Joseph Milano Sr., 57, Of New Haven, Tweed New Haven Airport Draft Environmental Assessment Done, Yale Womens Organization Offers Continuing Education Scholarships. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @RELReports. New Haven police and federal authorities announced the indictment of 25 people associated with the Island Brothers Wednesday afternoon, saying they were responsible for recent gun violence in the city. It is further alleged that, on February 8, investigators executed court-authorized search warrants at several locations, including a Ward Street residence where Spearman distributed narcotics, and vehicles in which Spearman was suspected of storing narcotics. 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.. He said state health officials delivered 50 doses of naxolone to the city to help replenish its supply. The other defendants, if convicted of this charge, face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Tobin admitted shooting Hart after being robbed during an alleged drug deal. B, NYB and New York B, 54, of New Haven, ANDERSON ATKINSON, a.k.a. 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. 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. 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. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Don't ruin it by releasing felons early, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. The arrests of these individuals will provide an immediate positive impact in the community as we continue to work together to make our community safer. 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. HENRY HORTON, also known as Bodie, 39, of New Haven Southington: Adventure Awaits! All the chemicals that are used, acetone, it is a dangerous, dangerous drug, Det. All rights reserved, Middletown Makes Preparations for Incoming Winter Storm, Rain or Shine, Waterbury to Welcome March With St. Patrick's Day Parade, Actor Tom Sizemore, of Saving Private Ryan,' Dies at 61, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. Others vomited. U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. "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. WATERBURY, Conn. (1010 WINS) -- A New Haven DEA task force arrested 14 people on Wednesday during a massive drug bust in Waterbury that also yielded 18 kilos of drugs, $290,000 in cash and . 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. 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. 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 hallucinogenicwas made in two places, police said. Red, 32, of New Haven, THEODORE SMITH, a.k.a. PCSO still seek another suspect, Border Patrol: PCSO will back up agencies sending employees to border. (Tempe PD). New Haven Drug Bust Yields 1,700 Pounds of Marijuana, Worth $15M, for Distribution Throughout Tri-State Published December 4, 2020 Updated on December 4, 2020 at 3:29 am 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. 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. A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Alfredo Ramos 39, two counts of violation of probation, sale of a controlled substance, operating a drug factor . They said theyve never seen anything suspicious going on next door. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, he has worked for the Valley Advocate, MassLive and The Register Citizen. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut, Eight Charged after FBI New Haven Task Force Investigation; 19 Kilos of Cocaine,$780K Seized, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, Meriden Man Charged with Cocaine Trafficking Offenses, Jury Finds Waterbury Man Guilty of Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses, Armed Waterbury Gang Member Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution Offense, Eight Charged After FBI New Haven Task Force Investigation; 19 Kilos of Cocaine,$780K Seized. 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. Thousands of pounds of drugs, including 4.5million fentanyl pills, were seized during a massive drug bust in Arizona that lead to the arrest of over 150 Sinaloa Cartel associates. 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. There are other vices and things utilized to make a street drug known as Dimethyltryptamine.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. He appeared in court Friday and and was set at $500,000 bond. 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. 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. Spearman, Horton, Martinez, Shields and Gory are also charged with additional narcotics offenses. First during a search of two cars at traffic stops then at the home of one of the drivers. Eighteen of the defendants were arrested Wednesday, five defendants were already in custody and two defendants are still being sought, officials said. Its a significant seizure for us yesterday, Chief Spagnolo said. The indictment also charges several defendants with one or more counts related to the distribution of various narcotics. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Nine people have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug trafficking investigation by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Nonnie, 23, of Hartford, SHARMAINE CROSLEY, a.k.a. All rights reserved, This 26-Year-Old Pays $0 to Live in a Luxury Tiny Home' She Built for $35,000 in Her Backyard Take a Look Inside, Viral Kids' Star Ms. Rachel Is Taking a Break From Social Media After Backlash Over Co-Star Who Uses They/Them Pronouns, NYC Winter Storm: 12 Hours of Rain, Gusts Near 50 MPH, Snow Expected; See Timing Here. March 14th 2023 "Live" Virtual CT Real Estate Licensing Classes! Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. At the time of Merritts arrest, he was also in the possession of $73,343 in cash and six cellphones, according to authorities. JAMAINE JACKSON, a.k.a. 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. 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. Another tenant of the home, Timothy Dawson, 33, was charged with interfering with police. 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 The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin. Hed allegedly made three kilos, worth three million dollars. Theyre each being held on a million dollars bond. (I) Came home at 2:30 and saw the cops and everything. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Atkinson and Draughn were arrested June 16 in connection with the seizure of approximately 10,000 bags of heroin, the release said. Fifteen states have broadly legalized marijuana, including New Jersey, while 36 allow medical marijuana. by: LaSalle Blanks, Multimedia Journalist. On 12/08/10 the shipment of marijuana in several boxes wrapped as Christmas packages were delivered to the accused by the informant. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Some just became nauseous or lethargic. 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. "This bust is just one example of the fine work being done by these detectives.. Im in shock. General and J, 36, of New Haven, CARL MERRITT, a.k.a. This case is the response to some of those demands for action by residents. 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. Ledger reporter Rebecca Lee can be reached atRlee3@gannett.com. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into a New Haven-based drug trafficking network headed by Michael Smith. WaWa, 40, of Hamden, SHAVAR BELLAMY, a.k.a. Behind Nika Mhl's surprise call from UConn great Sue Bird, Cannabis advocates protest CT's recreational-use rollout, CT SPCA volunteers 'humbled' as hundreds file to adopt pets, Warrant: Ex-CT 'lunch lady' sent nude pics to student for months. Inside Conyers' car, police say they found: 13 Kilograms of cocaine 354 grams of crystal. Raul Torres-Santiago, 51, of New Haven was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, two counts of illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, being an armed private security person. A rain garden is an area dug slightly below the surrounding area that can catch and collect rainfall and keep it from carrying pollutants downstream. JAYQUAN MARTINEZ, also known as Neighbor and Quan, 20, of New Haven Two men are facing charges after a drug bust was made in Hamden on Tuesday. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the cash and Merritts 2018 Nissan Maxima. The arrests Wednesday were a result of an investigation headed by the FBIs New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department, targeting drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the Island Brothers street gang, federal authorities said. 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. Police arrested Ryan Canfield, 32, on several charges, including operating a drug factory. Horton, Martinez, Shields, Gory, Hargrove and Brown were arrested on February 17. Legal Statement. A locked padlock Buturla said that on Dec. 2, the Street Crime Unit, with officers from the Patrol Division and K-9 Unit, task force officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI, stopped a rented. Salas Patino arrived at the meeting location with Julio Caderon Hernandez, 32, also ofWarner Robbins, Ga. on June 25 and both were arrested. Ted, 36, of New Haven, WANDA CARTER, a.k.a. Scoot, 29, of New Haven, MELVIN ROBERTS, a.k.a. 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. New Haven police and federal authorities announced the indictment of 25 people associated with the Island Brothers Wednesday afternoon, alleging they were responsible for recent gun violence in the city. He spends far too much time thinking about the Boston Celtics. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Waterbury Police say they were raiding the home as part of a bigger drug trafficking investigation. Barry, 58, of Hamden, ERIC BURRUSS, a.k.a. Don't ruin it by releasing felons early, These are people who profit from making drugs available to the children of our community, as well as many loved-ones who are battling severe addictions," Judd said. MATTHEW MOORE, a.k.a. Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, White supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes kicked out of CPAC, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Biden team readies new advisory panel ahead of expected reelection bid, At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, House Democrats unhappy with White House handling of D.C.'s new criminal code. 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 . Both drugs, especially fentanyl, have been linked to rising overdoses across the country.