A Connecticut man has been charged with fentanyl trafficking offenses — what federal authorities allege was a “large-scale” operation.
Darius Gamble, also known as “Rell,” 39, of Stamford, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, according to federal authorities.
A grand jury in Bridgeport returned the indictment charging Gamble on Oct. 2, according to federal authorities.
Citing court documents and statements made in court, federal authorities said the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Gamble as an alleged “large-scale fentanyl distributor.”
Investigators allegedly made a controlled purchase of about 50 grams of fentanyl from Gamble in September, federal authorities said in a statement.
Gamble was arrested on criminal complaint on Sept. 12, and a search of his residence allegedly revealed about 42 grams of fentanyl, a kilogram press machine, additional items used to process and package narcotics, and approximately $31,307 in cash, federal authorities said in the statement. A search of Gamble’s vehicle revealed about six grams of fentanyl, federal authorities said.
If convicted, each charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum term of 40 years, federal authorities said.
Gamble appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges, federal authorities said. He is in custody.
The case was investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Stamford Police Department. The task force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford police departments.
