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Three New Haven Men Charged with Trafficking Deadly ‘Painkiller’ Pills
NEW HAVEN, CT – In a brazen display of greed, three New Haven men have been charged with trafficking counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and fentanyl powder mixed with xylazine, a deadly animal tranquilizer.
Markeyse Kelly, 45, also known as “Curry” and “Keyse,” of West Haven, Jaquan Price, 33, also known as “Sub,” of New Haven, and Robert Covington, 32, of New Haven, were indicted on seven counts of drug trafficking and related offenses by a federal grand jury in New Haven.
According to the indictment, Kelly, Price, and Covington sold various controlled substances, including multi-colored pills pressed to look like ecstasy that actually contained methamphetamine, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, and powder fentanyl laced with xylazine. The pills were allegedly sold to unsuspecting victims in New Haven and surrounding areas.
The investigation, led by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force, revealed that the trio’s operation was a significant threat to public safety. “The distribution of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and fentanyl powder mixed with xylazine, poses a significant risk to the health and safety of our communities,” said Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Kelly, Price, and Covington were arrested on federal criminal complaints on May 14, 2024, and investigators executed multiple search warrants, seizing numerous fentanyl and methamphetamine pills, as well as additional quantities of fentanyl powder, meth powder, and cocaine. Three handguns, two loaded gun magazines, and ammunition were also seized.
The indictment charges Kelly, Price, and Covington each with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine and fentanyl. Kelly faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, while Price faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Covington faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
Kelly and Price are detained, while Covington is released on a $100,000 bond. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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