6 Arrested in Connecticut Drug and Firearms Trafficking Bust

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Six people, four of them Connecticut residents, were arrested as part of a federal investigation into a narcotics and firearms trafficking operation spanning Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Undercover detectives made over 30 controlled purchases totaling more than 1 kilogram of fentanyl, 200 grams of methamphetamine, and 17 firearms, some of which were illegally transferred.

Why it matters

This bust highlights the ongoing problem of drug and gun trafficking in the Northeast, which has contributed to a rise in overdoses and violent crime in the region. The case also involves the emerging threat of synthetic opioids like bromazolam, which are increasingly being found in drug mixtures and leading to overdoses.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the six individuals arrested were Manolin Vargas D'Olon, Alvaro Perez, Anderson Amador Nova, Angel Vasquez, Giovanni Benoit, and Andy Martinez. They were charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possession with intent to distribute. Vargas D'Olon, Benoit, Vasquez and Martinez were also charged with engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, with Vargas D'Olon, Benoit and Vasquez facing additional charges related to the unlawful transfer of firearms. Vargas D'Olon was also charged with illegal firearm possession as a non-citizen, and Vasquez as a felon. Vargas D'Olon was further charged with possession of child sexual abuse material after a cell phone seized during his arrest revealed a cache of such content.

• The arrests were made on Friday, January 31, 2026.
• Vargas D'Olon was previously arrested in May 2025 and charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.

What’s next

The judge will decide on bail for the defendants in the coming days.