Luis Salaman, Fentanyl Trafficking, Connecticut 2021

Two New Haven men have been charged with fentanyl trafficking offenses, according to a federal grand jury indictment returned in New Haven, Connecticut.

Luis Salaman, 40, also known as ‘Bebe,’ and Ismael Heredia, 29, also known as ‘Junie,’ both of New Haven, have been accused of working together to distribute large quantities of narcotics throughout the city.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force learned in October 2021 that Salaman was distributing narcotics in New Haven. The investigation revealed that Salaman worked with Heredia to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of heroin/fentanyl from Salaman and Heredia. The men were arrested on April 5, 2022.

The indictment charges Salaman and Heredia with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. If convicted of this offense, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

The indictment also charges Salaman with one count and Heredia with seven counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

In addition, the indictment alleges that Salaman is eligible for enhanced penalties because of a prior conviction for a serious violent felony, which potentially increases his mandatory minimum prison sentence to 15 years.

Salaman is currently detained, while Heredia is released on a $100,000 bond.

U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Robert S. Ruff.

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