Stratford Man Admits Role In Heroin Trafficking Operation: Feds

STRATFORD, CT — A Stratford man has pleaded guilty in connection with a heroin trafficking operation involving a Bridgeport deli owner, according to officials.

Nadyar Malaka, 34, pleaded guilty Wednesday in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Leonard C. Boyle announced.

An investigation found that Eddy Antonio Torres Morel was trafficking narcotics from Big Daddy's Deli and Jamal's Market, two stores he operated on East Main Street in Bridgeport, according to authorities.

"During the investigation, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of a half-kilogram of heroin from Torres, first at Jamal's Market on October 29, 2019, and then at Big Daddy's Deli on January 24, 2020," officials wrote in a news release. "Malaka assisted Torres' drug trafficking operation by storing and packaging narcotics at his residence, storing drug proceeds at his residence, and transporting narcotics and drug proceeds to Torres and others.

"The investigation also revealed that Malaka engaged in the interstate trafficking of untaxed cigarettes."

Malaka was arrested on Feb. 27, 2020. He was released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 14 in Hartford federal court.

Torres, 50, of Meriden, pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 28. He is awaiting sentencing.