David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced on July 17 that Hector Gonzalez, 42, of Ansonia, and Darel Edwards, also known as ‘Woo,’ 48, of New Haven, have been charged by indictment with offenses related to narcotics distribution and firearm possession.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation found that Gonzalez, Edwards, and others were involved in manufacturing and distributing pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other substances. Authorities allege that Gonzalez used multiple pill pressing machines to produce counterfeit pills resembling Oxycodone and Adderall but containing illicit substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. These pills were distributed through a network including Edwards, who sold them within Connecticut and shipped them out of state using the U.S. Mail.
The indictment alleges that on March 14, 2025, New Haven Police arrested Edwards after he was found with more than 200 grams of narcotic pills produced by Gonzalez. On May 8 the same year, while released on bond for his state case, investigators observed Edwards meeting with Gonzalez to acquire more pills; when police attempted a vehicle stop afterward, Edwards fled before abandoning his car in New Haven. In June 2025, it is alleged that Edwards, along with an associate, sold narcotic pills and a short-barreled rifle to an undercover ATF agent.
Gonzalez and Edwards were arrested on federal complaints on June 30, 2026. A search at Gonzalez’s residence uncovered three mechanical pill pressing machines; over two kilograms each of fentanyl (in powder or pill form) and methamphetamine; two firearms; about $280,000 in cash; plus diamond-encrusted jewelry. On July 14, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging both men with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances among other offenses. If convicted based on the drugs attributed to them, Gonzalez faces between ten years up to life imprisonment while Edwards faces five years up to forty years.
The indictment further charges both men based on prior violent felony convictions—Gonzalez for conspiracy to commit murder (2007) and Edwards for first-degree assault (2004)—which could enhance penalties if convicted again. Both defendants remain detained since their arrests.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Homeland Security Investigation; Connecticut State Police; local police departments from New Haven, Hamden, Ansonia, Bristol, West Haven, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Seymour, and Torrington—and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
The prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration cartels, transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and violent crime perpetrators—and utilizes resources across agencies according to the Department’s efforts, according to the official website. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut serves all residents statewide by prosecuting federal crimes, handling civil cases, employs about 68 assistant attorneys plus support staff, operates under the Department of Justice, advances justice initiatives enhancing quality-of-life locally—and has produced alumni now serving as judges or elected officials.