STAMFORD, CT – A major drug trafficking operation flooding southwestern Connecticut with fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine has been dismantled, with eleven individuals now facing federal charges. The bust, the result of a months-long investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department, has exposed a network allegedly led by 47-year-old RODNEY CANADA, aka “Supreme,” of Stamford.
The investigation revealed that Canada wasn’t working alone. Authorities allege TERRELL WILLS, aka “Black Fred,” 50, of Darien, and RAMION BAKER, a.k.a. “Ray Ray,” 43, of Stamford, were key players in coordinating street-level distribution, utilizing individuals like GERALD COLEY, aka “G Rock,” 54, of Bridgeport, BENJAMIN DOZIER, aka “Ace” and “Blanco,” 42, of Bridgeport, and DANNY TURKVAN, aka “Smooth,” 53, of Stamford. Canada also allegedly supplied bulk cocaine to WILLI BAZELAIS, 30, of Stamford, and CHRISTOPHER ADAMS, 57, of Norwalk, for further distribution. GAVIN HAMMETT, aka “G” and “Silk,” 59, of Bridgeport, is identified as a primary source of supply for Canada’s operation.
The net also caught JIMMY ARCE, aka “Boe,” “Slim,” and “Jimbo,” 40, of Bridgeport, and OMAR PARRA, aka “D” and “Dee,” 37, of Stamford. Arce allegedly supplied Parra with fentanyl, cocaine, and crack. Parra was already in federal custody, arrested on a complaint back on March 19, 2024. The remaining defendants, with the exception of Parra, were taken into custody on May 14, 2024, following court-authorized searches in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Darien.
Those searches weren’t for show. Investigators seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine, nearly 400 grams of raw fentanyl, over 500 bags of fentanyl, five firearms, a bulletproof vest, and seven vehicles. The scale of the operation is a grim reminder of the relentless flow of deadly drugs into our communities. A federal grand jury in New Haven handed down three indictments on May 22, 2024, formally charging the eleven defendants.
The indictments detail serious charges. Canada, Wills, Baker, Bazelais, Adams, Coley, Dozier, and Turkvan face conspiracy charges carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. Adams and Baker are also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, also carrying a potential 20-year sentence. Baker and Dozier are facing unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon—a 15-year maximum—and Baker faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of *at least* five years. Sources confirm Baker has a prior federal conviction for crack cocaine trafficking.
Hammett faces even stiffer penalties, charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and fentanyl, a charge carrying a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years. He is also charged with unlawful firearm possession and using a firearm in drug trafficking. Hammett’s record includes prior federal convictions for cocaine trafficking in South Carolina and Connecticut, and he was already on federal supervised release. This case underscores the cyclical nature of organized crime and the challenges of keeping repeat offenders off the streets. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are possible.
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Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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