Indictment Charges Stamford Man with Fentanyl Trafficking Offenses

STAMFORD, Conn. - Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that DARIUS GAMBLE, also known as "Rell," 39, of Stamford, has been charged with fentanyl trafficking offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration's Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Gamble as a large-scale fentanyl distributor. On September 1, 2024, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of fentanyl from Gamble.

Gamble was arrested on criminal complaint on September 12, 2024. On that date, a search of his residence revealed approximately 42 grams of fentanyl, a kilogram press machine, additional items used to process and package narcotics, and approximately $31,307 in cash. A search of Gamble's vehicle revealed approximately six grams of fentanyl.

On October 2, 2024, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Gamble with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Each charge carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

Gamble appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment 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.

This matter is being investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration's Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Stamford Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.