Man Sold Crystal Meth to Undercover Fairfield Detectives: Police

Fairfield Police recently arrested a Stratford man after an undercover operation revealed that he was selling a large amount of crystal methamphetamine on the streets of Fairfield and Bridgeport, according to police.

Mark Leigh-James, 23, was arrested following a two-month investigation by the Fairfield Police Narcotics Unit. He was charged with unlawful manufacture/distribution of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of firearms.

Undercover detectives were able to infiltrate Leigh-James’ operation and purchased upwards of a pound of crystal meth over several police-controlled drug transactions, according to a press release.

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Police said the crystal meth that was purchased was determined to be 98 percent pure after laboratory testing, which is extremely rare in the greater Bridgeport area.

The DEA was called in to assist in the investigation due to its uniqueness and multijurisdictional involvement, according to police.

Police secured a federal arrest warrant for Leigh-James after additional sales of crystal meth to undercover detectives were conducted.

On Oct. 5, Fairfield detectives and DEA agents attempted to arrest Leigh-James as he was walking to his car after attending a college class at Housatonic Community College. Upon seeing police, Leigh-James fled and engaged police in a lengthy foot pursuit from the parking garage of the college and through the main building of the college until he was eventually captured and taken into custody on Markle Court in Bridgeport.

Police said a subsequent search of Leigh-James’ BMW X5 SUV revealed more than 3 ounces of crystal meth, a bag containing 7 grams of loose heroin and two illegal handguns, one of which was confirmed stolen out of Stratford.

Leigh-James was held without bond at the time of his arrest, according to police.

Leigh-James also faces federal charges as part of the investigation.