West Haven Man Charged with Illegally Distributing Xanax in Fatal Drug Case: Feds

WEST HAVEN, CT — A 20-year-old West Haven man faces federal charges of illegally distributing Xanax in connection to a fatal drug case in May, according to authorities.

Clarence Bell, also known as “Solo,” was arrested Monday on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance, U.S. States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced in a joint press release.

The arrest stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

The West Haven Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a city residence on the report of a sudden death of a 20-year-old male at about 6:10 a.m. on May 24, according to the complaint.

“Upon arrival, the initial responding patrol units determined that the death was suspicious in nature and appeared to be drug related,” officials wrote in the press release. “The investigation, which includes witness interviews and analysis of phone records and surveillance cameras, has revealed that at approximately 10:00 p.m. on May 23, 2016, the victim purchased a quantity of Xanax pills from Bell. The victim them crushed approximately three of pills and snorted the powder.”

The victim’s autopsy report stated the official cause of death as acute intoxication due to the combined effects of heroin, alprazolam (Xanax) and cocaine, according to authorities.

Bell appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was ordered detained.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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