Cheshire Woman Operated Large-Scale Heroin Processing Mill: Feds

A former Cheshire woman faces up to 20 years in jail for her part in a heroin distribution ring, according to U.S. States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly.

Amanda Gambardella, 26, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, Daly announced in a press release.

Daly said the charge stems from an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, which includes participants from the Hartford, Wethersfield, Bristol, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain and Willimantic Police Departments.

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According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA Task Force received information that a drug trafficking organization was obtaining large quantities of heroin in New York City, transporting the drug to Connecticut in a vehicle equipped with a hidden compartment, and distributing it in the Hartford area.

The investigation revealed that Gambardella was employed by the organization to store and package heroin at her apartment on Adelaide Street in Hartford, and that she had rented a storage unit in East Hartford on behalf of the organization.

On November 4, 2015, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the East Hartford storage unit and seized approximately $795,990 in cash, according to Daly.

On November 5, 2015, investigators searched the Adelaide Street apartment and seized approximately 778 grams of heroin, as well as cutting agents, packaging materials and other paraphernalia associated with a large scale heroin processing mill.

The seized heroin included more than 17,000 bags packaged for street sale and approximately 200 grams of unpackaged heroin, according to Daly.

Gamardella has been detained since her arrest on November 5, 2015.

Gambardella is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23 when she faces a maximum prison term of 20 years.