Derby Man Charged with Distributing Meth: Feds

DERBY, CT — A Derby man was arrested Wednesday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, federal officials said.

According to the complaint, the FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 55 grams of meth from Derby resident Andre Messam, 46, on May 10. Laboratory analysis of the methamphetamine determined that it was 100 percent pure, according to federal officials.

Federal officials attempted to stop Messam's car in North Haven, but he fled. Agents caught up with him at a rental car agency on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington, where he was arrested, with approximately $7,200 in cash.

Messam appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven on Wednesday and was ordered detained. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, federal officials said.