Stamford Man Charged With Fentanyl Trafficking Offenses: Feds

STAMFORD, CT — A 39-year-old Stamford man charged with several fentanyl trafficking offenses pleaded not guilty in Bridgeport court on Wednesday, according to a news release from United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery and Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England Stephen P. Belleau.

Darius Gamble, also known as "Rell," was identified as a "large-scale fentanyl distributor" by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department, officials said.

On Sept. 1, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of fentanyl from Gamble, and he was arrested on a criminal complaint 11 days later, officials said.

On Sept. 12, a search of Gamble's residence found approximately 42 grams of fentanyl, a kilogram press machine, additional items used to process and package narcotics, and approximately $31,307 in cash, officials said, noting a search of Gamble’s vehicle found approximately 6 grams of fentanyl.

A grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment on Oct. 2 charging Gamble 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, officials said.

Each charge carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum term of 40 years.

Gamble appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest.