Dayquan Smith, Cocaine and Fentanyl Possession, Vermont 2026

A federal grand jury in Vermont has indicted a Connecticut man on charges of possessing with intent to distribute a large quantity of cocaine base and fentanyl.

According to court records, on January 21, 2026, members of the Vermont State Police executed a search warrant at a residence on Sand Hill Road in Bethel, Vermont.

Dayquan Smith, 34, of Hartford, Connecticut, was present in a camper on the property when law enforcement found over 350 grams of suspected cocaine base, over 40 grams of suspected purple fentanyl, and an unknown wet white powder/sludge on the floor of the shower.

The search also yielded approximately $8,675 in U.S. currency, a Ruger LCP Max .380 pistol, and a box of .380 caliber ammunition.

Smith entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on May 7, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.

According to the indictment, Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years' imprisonment and a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment if convicted.

The actual sentence would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police and the FBI.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/connecticut-man-charged-possession-intent-distribute-cocaine-base-and-fentanyl