He appeared in court Friday and and was set at $500,000 bond. 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 indictment seeks the forfeiture of the cash and Merritts 2018 Nissan Maxima. NEW FRANKENSTEIN OPIOIDS MORE DANGEROUS THAN FENTANYL ALARMING STATE LEADERS ACROSS US AS DRUG CRISIS RAGES. He said the Green has become "a place of despair" and "no longer an attraction for families or economic development. All rights reserved. San Diego officials make huge fentanyl bust between ports of entry. 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. 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. 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. December 9, 2010. Investigators said the street value of the drugs is more than $13 million, while the fentanyl seized potentially represented 30 million lethal doses. 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. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Massive New Haven drug bust results in 25 arrests, Hamden school board member Walter L. 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The chief told News 8 this all happened Monday night. Theyre each being held on a million dollars bond. 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. Now, theyve shut the alleged lab down andthe Drug Enforcement Agency sent a team to take the contents to Boston. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. An official website of the United States government. 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 of our efforts are aimed at improving the quality of life of all law-abiding residents of Connecticut.. A locked padlock It remains illegal at the federal level. The search also found and seized five firearms. 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. Its extremely dangerous, said Lt. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police 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. JASHON SPEARMAN, also known as J and Deuce, 33, of New Haven 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. Police arrested 13 people Friday morning and expect more arrests throughout the day. Middletown, Connecticut 06457. 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. Eighteen of the defendants were arrested Wednesday, five defendants were already in custody and two defendants are still being sought, officials said. At the time of Merritts arrest, he was also in the possession of $73,343 in cash and six cellphones, according to authorities. It would start in the camper, and then be taken to the basement to be crystallized. Police arrested Ryan Canfield, 32, on several charges, including operating a drug factory. 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. Eighteen of the suspects were arrested Wednesday, five already were in custody and two still are being sought, according to federal authorities. 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. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Connecticut State Police Make Drug Bust In New Haven. There are numerous chemicals involved here. 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. Shar, 35, of New Haven, JESSENIA ROMAN, a.k.a. 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. No deaths were reported, and most people brought to hospitals have been discharged, officials said. 15 charged in crackdown on family-run Waterbury heroin trafficking Matthew Merced of the New Haven Police Department said. 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. 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 . 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. Another tenant of the home, Timothy Dawson, 33, was charged with interfering with police. Others vomited. The other defendants, if convicted of this charge, face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. District of Connecticut | Eight Charged after FBI New Haven Task Force Charged in the indictment, according to authorities, are: Tommy Julius, aka General and J, 36; Carl Merritt, aka C, 39; Brian K. Backman, aka B, NYB and New York B, 54; Bryant Williams, 44; Eric Burruss, aka E, 40; Tyrese Stanley, aka Scoot, 29; Melvin Roberts, aka Psycho and Mel, 62; Sharmaine Crosley, aka Shar, 35; Jessenia Roman, aka Red, 32; Theodore Smith, aka Ted, 36; Gerard Senior, 20; Shavar Bellamy, aka Lil B, LB and Little Black, 33, all of New Haven. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the cash and Merritts 2018 Nissan Maxima, the release said. 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. Red, 32, of New Haven, THEODORE SMITH, a.k.a. Man wanted in Auburndale shooting turns himself in. 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. Drug Bust in New Haven, CT with Reviews - Yellow Pages Police: Medical Marijuana Card Wasn't License To Smoke While Driving 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. Opinion: OPINION: Florida is safe. Red, 32, of New Haven, THEODORE SMITH, a.k.a. C, 39, of New Haven, BRIAN K. BACKMAN, a.k.a. 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. The other defendants, if convicted of this charge, face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. 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 is due back in court on June 9. 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. Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. Feds: New Haven man allegedly helped run drug ring - New Haven Register font size, Connecticut State Police Make Drug Bust In New Haven. C, 39, of New Haven, BRIAN K. BACKMAN, a.k.a. Shar, 35, of New Haven, JESSENIA ROMAN, a.k.a. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. of marijuana with intent to sell over 1 kilo, Poss. On April 12, Merritt was arrested after a search of his vehicle revealed a Berretta 9mm pistol and two loaded gun magazines. Ben Lambert was formerly a reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group, covering police and public safety in the New Haven area. 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. Deutsche promised to be a responsible landlord in New Haven. How does the chief measure significant? General and J, 36, of New Haven, CARL MERRITT, a.k.a. Police were tipped off to a DMT lab about a month ago and have been surveying it ever since. New Haven overdoses: Officials say there were 25 overdoses in a 3-hour That drew this reaction from a parkgoer News 8 spoke with, asking how he now feels walking his dogs there. 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. 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. 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. This is a carousel. (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. One Big Drug Bust $3 Million - NBC Connecticut 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. 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 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 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. Connecticut Troopers arranged to coordinate a narcotics investigation as the narcotics were being delivered in Connecticut. E, 40, of New Haven, PRISHONNA TURNER, a.k.a. 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. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, he has worked for the Valley Advocate, MassLive and The Register Citizen. Nonnie, 23, of Hartford, SHARMAINE CROSLEY, a.k.a. (I) Came home at 2:30 and saw the cops and everything. In addition narcotics detectives seized bank records and other financial documents at both addresses. 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. Nine people have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug trafficking investigation by the Polk County Sheriffs Office. TOMMY JULIUS, a.k.a. 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. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. According to officials, units responded to a residence on Winnett Street and arrested 20-year-old Phillip Moye on the. Inside the package was 42 half pound bags of meth. Both suspects face numerous charges. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Tobin admitted shooting Hart after being robbed during an alleged drug deal. 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. It wasn't clear if they have lawyers who could respond to the allegations. Police also arrested two people they suspect were part of an extensive drug . Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. 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. Mac and Bridgeport, 43, of West Haven, TYRESE STANLEY, a.k.a. Hamden man gets prison in gang-related drug trafficking case WEST HAVEN, Conn. After a months-long investigation, the West Haven Police Street Crime Unit announced a major drug bust Thursday. 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. Jack, 45, of Bridgeport, MAKENE JACOBS, a.k.a. Posted Wed, Jul 10, 2019 at 5:57 pm ET. HENRY HORTON, also known as Bodie, 39, of New Haven 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 . On 12/08/10 the shipment of marijuana in several boxes wrapped as Christmas packages were delivered to the accused by the informant. 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. 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 . 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! A multi-agency investigation targeting the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. Market data provided by Factset. 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. 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. Police said what was going on in the camper could have blown up neighborhood. No one has been charged with a specific homicide, Jacobson said. Feds: New Haven woman gets prison on drug trafficking charge Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. CT drug bust leads to 14 arrests, seizure of fentanyl, heroin - MSN March 14th 2023 "Live" Virtual CT Real Estate Licensing Classes! Those indicted are associated. Mac and Bridgeport, 43, of West Haven, TYRESE STANLEY, a.k.a. On April 12, Merritt was arrested after a search of his vehicle revealed a Berretta 9mm pistol and two loaded gun magazines. Officials said the pills represented 30 million potentially lethal doses. Ted, 36, of New Haven, WANDA CARTER, a.k.a. Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. 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. 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." U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Eighteen of the defendants were arrested Wednesday, five defendants were already in custody and two defendants are still being sought, officials said. 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. 9 people arrested in connection with Winter Haven drug bust - The Ledger Fax Line: (203) 773- 5376. Hawk said some people got better with the help of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, while others didn't. E, 40, of New Haven, PRISHONNA TURNER, a.k.a. 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. 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. Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. Contact: 860-685-8230. pio.dps@po.state.ct.us. We will continue to leverage those partnerships to the benefit of the city of New Haven and our citizens, he said. West Haven police, feds, seize 1,700 pounds of marijuana 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. Fox News' Bill Melugin reports the latest on the drug bust. 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. On June 16, Atkinson and Draughn were arrested in connection with the seizure of approximately 10,000 bags of heroin. It could result in people getting really hurt, explosions. Nonnie, 23, of Hartford, SHARMAINE CROSLEY, a.k.a. A search of a minivan revealed approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine; a search of a vehicle registered to Spearman revealed $750,400 in cash, assorted jewelry and a quantity of fentanyl; and a search of the Ward Street residence revealed additional cash, several money counters, and numerous cellphones. Gov. Main Office: Never mind the negative things it brings to the area, Janeen Powers said. Merced said Canfield found the recipe for DMT and was trying to see if it would catch on. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. Lock All of those overdoses were in the area of the New Haven Green, said Rick Fontana, the city's director of emergency operations. 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. JAMES HILLARD, 64, of New York and New Jersey The Federal Bureau of Investigation partnered with New Haven police, state police, other federal authorities, and officers from Milford, East Haven and Hamden during the investigation, Reyes said. In addition narcotics detectives seized bank records and other financial documents at both addresses. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. However, an eighth grader could download the recipe, Merced 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.. Thats what has neighbors so shocked. Some just became nauseous or lethargic. Its a significant seizure for us yesterday, Chief Spagnolo said. West Haven Police seize 1,700 lbs of marijuana worth $15 million Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The delivery took place at 621 Townsend Avenue, New Haven. 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.. 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 appropriately prosecute those responsible for it., We understand the frustration at times expressed by community members about the drug activity within their neighborhoods, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg.