Norwich Man Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On 'Dark Web': Feds

NORWICH, CT — A 39-year-old Norwich man was indicted in federal court in Bridgeport this month for allegedly selling fentanyl analogue on the "Dark Web," and illegally possessing a firearm, according to United States Attorney John H. Durham.

Barry Duclos was initially arrested in February and has remained in custody ever since, and he appeared Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges spelled out in the 11-count indictment.

From Durham's announcement:

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, between September 2017 and February 2018, Duclos operated a vendor page known as "Dream Market" on the dark web. Duclos, using the alias 1NOLEFB1, advertised the sale of fentanyl analogues on Dream Market. He then used the U.S. Mail to ship fentanyl analogues to customers who paid for the drugs using Bitcoin.

A search of Duclos' residence at the time of his arrest revealed a YHM rifle with multiple magazines, two of which were extended magazines. The firearm was loaded with a round in the chamber. Investigators also located and seized a quantity of fentanyl from the residence.

It is further alleged that Duclos was convicted in state court, in February 2001, of sale of narcotics and, in March 2017, of larceny in the third degree.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The indictment charges Duclos with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 10 grams or more of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. The indictment also charges Duclos with eight counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl analogues, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. Duclos also is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and offense that carries a mandatory consecutive five-year term of imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

Image via Shutterstock

To sign up for Norwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.