Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging ALEXANDER GARCIA, 28, and DANIEL VARGAS, 27, both of Wallingford, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in August 2024, the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization led by Garcia and Vargas, who were sometimes called “Drake and Josh” or “Mikey and Tony.” Between August and November 2024, investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl from Garcia and Vargas. Completed laboratory analysis of some of the purchased fentanyl revealed the presence of xylazine.
Garcia and Vargas were arrested on criminal complaints on November 13, 2024. On that date, a search of their residence on Lee Avenue in Wallingford revealed a firearm and more than $29,000 in cash. They have been detained since their arrests.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force includes members of the New Haven Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.