Drug ring busted, 23 face federal charges. 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.. The war against the illegal opioid trade continued on March 28 in New Haven federal court, as New Haven resident Bienvenido Gonzalez was sentenced to 12 years in prison for trafficking heroin, followed by five years under supervised release. 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,. , 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). 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. 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 city also saw more than a. New Haven, CT 06510, Telephone: (203) 821-3700 We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Posted Wed, Jul 10, 2019 at 5:57 pm ET. U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. 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. Helping the homeless: Polk County Public Schools help nearly 4,000 homeless students each year. At the time of Merritts arrest, he was also in the possession of $73,343 in cash and six cellphones, according to authorities. The chief told News 8 this all happened Monday night. 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.. Connecticut Troopers arranged to coordinate a narcotics investigation as the narcotics were being delivered in Connecticut. People on and around the historic New Haven Green near Yale University began falling ill shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday, and the overdoses continued into Thursday morning. 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. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. (I) Came home at 2:30 and saw the cops and everything. 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 . 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. "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. 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 . 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. More: Man wanted in Auburndale shooting turns himself in. E, 40, of New Haven, PRISHONNA TURNER, a.k.a. Officials said the pills represented 30 million potentially lethal doses. Pittsburgh woman missing for 31 years found alive in Puerto Rico, Skeletal remains found in Pennsylvania identified as man missing since 2013, Why synthetic marijuana like K2 or Spice can cause "really bizarre" symptoms. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, he has worked for the Valley Advocate, MassLive and The Register Citizen. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. The investigation revealed that Hillard was supplying Spearman with heroin and fentanyl, and that Spearman was receiving kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from a source in Puerto Rico. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. Ted, 36, of New Haven, WANDA CARTER, a.k.a. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. The investigation revealed that Smith, Duarte, Reyes and Holcomb were distributing heroin and crack cocaine throughout the New Haven area. Obituary: Stephen Joseph Milano Sr., 57, Of New Haven, Tweed New Haven Airport Draft Environmental Assessment Done, Yale Womens Organization Offers Continuing Education Scholarships. Salas Patino arrived at the meeting location with Julio Caderon Hernandez, 32, also ofWarner Robbins, Ga. on June 25 and both were arrested. 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. Symptoms varied. 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. At the time of Merritts arrest, he was also in the possession of $73,343 in cash and six cellphones, according to authorities. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Just living here for a year and a half, this is a nice quiet neighborhood, said Angel Fontan said. of marijuana with intent to sell over 1 kilo, Poss. 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." Police arrested 13 people Friday morning and expect more arrests throughout the day. State and Federal law enforcement arrested 51 people in Connecticut on Friday as part of a massive undercover operation that resulted in the seizure of thousands of bags of heroin, guns and 15,000 . 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. Officers began investigating a large scale international. 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. or redistributed. Matthew Merced of the New Haven Police Department said. 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. (Tempe PD). The police showed up to the house the night before last to bust people on a drug-related raid. Spring & Summer at Mt. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @RELReports. Jack, 45, of Bridgeport, MAKENE JACOBS, a.k.a. We are proud of the partnerships we share. On June 16, Atkinson and Draughn were arrested in connection with the seizure of approximately 10,000 bags of heroin. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. As of Thursday night, police were questioning a third unidentified person, who had not been arrested. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Contact: 860-685-8230. pio.dps@po.state.ct.us. On 12/08/10 the shipment of marijuana in several boxes wrapped as Christmas packages were delivered to the accused by the informant. Fox News' Bill Melugin reports the latest on the drug bust. "This bust is just one example of the fine work being done by these detectives.. 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. In 2022, DEA seized more than double the amount of fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills that it seized in 2021. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. These people arent scientists, they dont know 100 percent what theyre doing, so Id hate to see people get hurt. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. When Merritt was arrested, he had $73,343 in cash and six cell phones on him. All rights reserved. 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. Lil B, LB and Little Black, 33, of New Haven. Waterbury Police say they were raiding the home as part of a bigger drug trafficking investigation. NEW HAVEN Cocaine, a convicted murderer and more than $22,000 are among the things officers found during a drug bust on Lamberton Street Wednesday, police said. Hawk said some people got better with the help of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, while others didn't. 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. 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. RAYQUAN GORY, also known as Wavy, 26, of New Haven As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine, more than 7,000 bags of fentanyl, and more than $780,000 in cash. General and J, 36, of New Haven, CARL MERRITT, a.k.a. A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. The Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse, the home of U.S. District Court in New Haven, at 141 Church St. Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media 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. 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. A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses. 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. Nonnie, 23, of Hartford, SHARMAINE CROSLEY, a.k.a. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. JEREMIAH HARGROVE, also known as Myers and Miah, 39, of New Haven 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. They'd been called there repeatedly over the past year by neighbors frustrated by the decline of a beautiful house one door down from the intersection of Ella Grasso Boulevard. CHARGES: Poss. 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. 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. Updated on: August 16, 2018 / 1:52 PM Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. of marijuana with intent to sell within 1500 school. Officials said Merritts criminal history includes multiple felony convictions for assault, risk of injury and robbery. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin. Its pretty unusual that this type of operation would be done in a neighborhood such as this, said Lt. Vance. 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. 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. Scoot, 29, of New Haven, MELVIN ROBERTS, a.k.a. WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo calls it a big win for his department and in his city. 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. 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 . 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. He said the Green has become "a place of despair" and "no longer an attraction for families or economic development. 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. No deaths were reported in either outbreak. 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. I am grateful for the dedication and hard work from everyone involved in this investigation.. Investigators said the street value of the drugs is more than $13 million, while the fentanyl seized potentially represented 30 million lethal doses. He said members of the group, part of Project Longevity, identified themselves as violent by committing violent acts and sparked the inquiry. The DEA says the Sinaloa Drug Cartel is responsible for nearly all deadly narcotics flooding into Arizona and the nation. Thats what has neighbors so shocked. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Hartford Hospital's Transplant Team Saves Lives Every Day, NBC & Telemundo Connecticut Job Opportunities. Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. Some just became nauseous or lethargic. 2016 CT.gov | Connecticut's Official State Website, regular Official websites use .gov 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. "DEA Arizona is laser-focused on the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. Officials said the pills represented 30 million potentially lethal doses. Those indicted are associated. Nonnie, 23, of Hartford, SHARMAINE CROSLEY, a.k.a. Have a question about Government Services? The Island Brothers were more prominent in past years, Jacobson said. Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. He spends far too much time thinking about the Boston Celtics. It ends up in the drug trade here, in this community, which is devastating, ravaging our citizens, Chief Spagnolo said. Ramos was charged with numerous narcotics violations and held on $750,000 bond. 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. 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.. JASHON SPEARMAN, also known as J and Deuce, 33, of New Haven Red, 32, of New Haven, THEODORE SMITH, a.k.a. In addition narcotics detectives seized bank records and other financial documents at both addresses. 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. 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. Hed allegedly made three kilos, worth three million dollars. Its extremely dangerous, said Lt. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police said. HENRY HORTON, also known as Bodie, 39, of New Haven 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. Eighteen of the defendants were arrested Wednesday, five defendants were already in custody and two defendants are still being sought, officials said. The investigation revealed that individuals were utilizing a storage facility in West Haven as a hub to distribute large quantities of marijuana throughout the tri-state area, West Haven police said in a statement, referring to the area that includes Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. 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. Fax Line: (203) 773- 5376. There are numerous chemicals involved here. The other defendants, if convicted of this charge, face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Lil B, LB and Little Black, 33, of New Haven. 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says, 2 arrested after 70+ people believed to overdose on K2 near Conn. park. 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. On April 12, Merritt was arrested after a search of his vehicle revealed a Berretta 9mm pistol and two loaded gun magazines. This investigation is being conducted by the FBIs New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. Its a significant seizure for us yesterday, Chief Spagnolo said. 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. Nine people have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug trafficking investigation by the Polk County Sheriffs Office. New Haven Police Department police cruisers. This collaboration is what distinguishes the city of New Haven, not just statewide, nationwide, but I would venture to say worldwide, Reyes said. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. On 12/08/10 the shipment of marijuana in several boxes wrapped as Christmas packages were delivered to the accused by the informant. 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 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. Two men are facing charges after a drug bust was made in Hamden on Tuesday. ", First published on August 15, 2018 / 11:15 AM. TOMMY JULIUS, a.k.a. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. PCSO still seek another suspect, PCSO will back up agencies sending employees to border, Polk County Public Schools help nearly 4,000 homeless students each year, OPINION: Florida is safe. MATTHEW MOORE, a.k.a. All of those overdoses were in the area of the New Haven Green, said Rick Fontana, the city's director of emergency operations. It could result in people getting really hurt, explosions. The other defendants, if convicted of this charge, face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Dannel P. Malloy said the state departments of Public Health and Mental Health and Addiction Services were helping New Haven officials. As a result of the investigation, sheriff's officials . Connecticut police arrested two men and seized an estimated $15 million in marijuana after discovering a storage facility was being used illegally as a hub for pot distribution in the Northeast, authorities said Thursday.