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Heroin Kingpin Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison
Lowell, Massachusetts resident Chandara Sam, 31, also known as ‘Po,’ was sentenced to 168 months in prison for his role in a heroin conspiracy ring that distributed ‘Chi town’ or ‘Chi,’ a potent form of heroin, in the Burlington area.
Court records show that Sam was taken into custody in April 2013 after selling approximately 40 grams of heroin to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Sam has been incarcerated since his arrest.
A collaborative investigation by the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Essex and Burlington police departments revealed that Sam was part of a larger group that distributed heroin in the Burlington area from mid-2011 to the time of his arrest.
The investigation also led to the arrest of two other individuals, Edward Chavin, also known as ‘Tommy,’ and Christopher Nason, who were found to be part of the same heroin ring. Chavin was found in possession of more than 100 grams of heroin during a raid at the Handy’s Suites in Essex in January 2013.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sam’s residence in Lowell and recovered 30 grams of heroin, bullets, $47,000 in cash, a .45 caliber hand gun, and two digital scales. Court records reveal that Sam carried handguns and used violence during the time he trafficked heroin in Vermont.
U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III sentenced Sam to 168 months in prison, citing the large volume of heroin distributed, its potency, and Sam’s use of guns and violence during the conspiracy. Sam also faces 4 years of supervised release after his prison term.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan prosecuted the case, while Sam is represented by Jean-Claude Charbonneau of Rutland, Vermont. The investigation and sentencing marks a significant blow to the heroin trafficking ring in the Burlington area.
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Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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