United States Drug Enforcement Administration

HAMDEN, Conn. - John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Tyrell Gary, also known as "T-Buggy," 29, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from "Operation Bloodline," a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven.  Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms.

More than 100 individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.

The investigation revealed that Gary was purchasing distribution quantities of cocaine from Michael Smith, also known as "Smitty" and "Fingers."  On January 18, 2012, law enforcement officers attempted to stop Gary's car after one such purchase.  A motor vehicle chase ensued during which Gary attempted to discard the cocaine.  Gary was eventually apprehended and officers were able to recover a quantity of cocaine.

Gary has been detained since his federal arrest on May 22, 2012.  On December 3, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Gary's criminal history includes at least four felony convictions, including three drug-related offenses and a 2008 conviction for robbery in the State of Maine.

On January 13, 2014, a jury found Michael Smith guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine and cocaine ("crack cocaine"), and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments.  The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.