United States Drug Enforcement Administration

WEST HAVEN, Conn. - David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that ALTON SMALL, also known as “Poodah,” “Tiemare,” and “Tie,” 31, of West Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force investigation identified Small as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that was distributing fentanyl and cocaine in the greater New Haven area.  The investigation included the seizure of approximately two kilograms of cocaine in Ansonia on January 30, 2025, multiple controlled purchases of narcotics between March and June 2025, and other investigative techniques.  Investigators also connected an overdose death to Small’s drug trafficking activity.

Small was arrested on June 18, 2025.  On that date, investigators searched several locations connected to Small and seized more than one kilogram of powder cocaine, more than 150 grams of crack cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, two loaded firearms, and additional ammunition.

On August 20, 2026, while released on bond, Small was arrested by West Haven Police for narcotics possession and distribution offenses.

Small pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  At sentencing, which is scheduled for November 17, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Small’s bond was revoked today and he is detained pending sentencing.

The NHDO Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel.