U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal grand jury in New Haven has indicted Alexander Garcia, 28, and Daniel Vargas, 27, both from Wallingford, on charges related to drug trafficking. The indictment accuses them of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The investigation into the alleged drug trafficking organization led by Garcia and Vargas began in August 2024. The FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force initiated the inquiry, during which several controlled purchases of fentanyl were made from the two men between August and November 2024. Laboratory tests revealed that some of the fentanyl was laced with xylazine.
Garcia and Vargas were apprehended on November 13, 2024. A search conducted at their residence on Lee Avenue in Wallingford uncovered a firearm and over $29,000 in cash. Both individuals have been detained since their arrests.
The charge they face carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery emphasized that an indictment is not proof of guilt, stating: "Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
The FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force involved members from various local law enforcement agencies including the New Haven Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont is prosecuting the case.
