A Hartford man has been arrested and charged with narcotics trafficking offenses, according to an announcement made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Rafael Orlando Garcia, 34, was detained following his appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford.
The charges stem from an investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, which identified Garcia as a significant narcotics trafficker in the Hartford area. According to court documents, investigators conducted several controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from Garcia between February and April 2025.
The complaint against Garcia includes charges of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl. These charges carry a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years. Additionally, Garcia faces charges for possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum imprisonment term of five years and a maximum of 40 years.
"Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
The investigation is part of a larger initiative, Operation Take Back America, which is aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime. This operation involves resources from the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The case against Garcia is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean P. Mahard. The FBI's Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force continues to conduct the investigation.
