Overview

• A New Haven grand jury returned the indictment Tuesday, which federal officials announced Wednesday.
• Court filings allege Damien Hazel led a trafficking network distributing fentanyl, cocaine, and crack across southern Connecticut.
• Agents intercepted several packages containing at least 16 kilograms of cocaine and seized firearms and ammunition during associated searches.
• Hazel and 13 others were arrested Sept. 10, with Roberto DeJesus taken into custody Sept. 12; seven defendants are detained and eight are released pending trial.
• Each defendant is charged with a conspiracy count carrying mandatory minimums of 10 or five years depending on drug quantities, and the investigation continues under a multi-agency task force including the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.