United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; J. Buck Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that HECTOR GONZALEZ, 42, of Ansonia, and DAREL EDWARDS, also known as “Woo,” 48, of New Haven, have been charged by indictment with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation revealed that Gonzalez, Edwards, and others were involved in the manufacture and distribution of pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other substances.  Gonzalez used multiple tableting/pill pressing machines to manufacture counterfeit pills resembling pharmaceutical grade Oxycodone and Adderall pills and containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, and generic pills in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and bearing logos and designs, which contained various illicit substances, including fentanyl, carfentanil, xylazine, methamphetamine, and cocaine.  Gonzalez distributed the pills through a network of associates, including Edwards, who sold them to customers in Connecticut and, using the U.S. Mail, to others out of state.

It is further alleged that on March 14, 2025, New Haven Police arrested Edwards after finding him in possession of more than 200 grams of narcotics pills that had been produced by Gonzalez.  On May 8, 2025, while he was released on bond in his state case, investigators observed Edwards meeting with Gonzalez for the purpose of acquiring additional pills.  Connecticut State Police attempted to stop Edwards’ vehicle after the meeting, but Edwards fled at a high rate of speed before abandoning his vehicle in New Haven.

It is also alleged that, in June 2025, Edwards and an associate sold narcotics pills and a short-barreled rifle to an undercover ATF agent.

Gonzalez and Edwards were arrested on federal criminal complaints on June 30, 2026.  On that date, a search of Gonzalez’s residence revealed three mechanical pill pressing machines, more than two kilograms of fentanyl in both powder and counterfeit pill form, more than two kilograms of methamphetamine, two firearms, approximately $280,000 in cash, and diamond encrusted jewelry.

On July 14, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Gonzalez and Edwards with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.  If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of drug narcotics attributed to each defendant, Gonzalez faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Edwards faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

The indictment also charges Gonzalez with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and Edwards with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances.

The indictment also alleges that each defendant faces enhanced penalties based on a prior conviction in Connecticut state court for a serious violent felony.  In 2007, Gonzalez was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and, in 2004, Edwards was convicted of assault in the first degree.

Gonzalez and Edwards have been detained since their arrests.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of Homeland Securities Investigation (HSI), the Connecticut State Police, and the New Haven, Hamden, and Ansonia Police Departments.  The DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad is composed of personnel from the DEA, and the Bristol, West Haven, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Seymour, and Torrington Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.