Bridgeport Crime Tracker

## Multi-Agency Effort Continues to Disrupt Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking in Southwestern Connecticut In a decisive move against escalating drug trafficking, gun violence, and organized crime, law enforcement agencies across southwestern Connecticut have ramped up their operations over recent weeks. These coordinated efforts have resulted in numerous arrests, seizure of firearms and narcotics, and the dismantling of significant criminal networks, signaling a strong commitment to community safety and street-level stability. ### Major Operations and Seizures Mark Progress The multi-agency crackdown has yielded several high-profile successes, reflecting a strategic focus on targeting key figures and supply chains: - **Multiple arrests** across neighborhoods in Bridgeport, Norwalk, Waterbury, West Haven, Stratford, and Fairfield have taken suspected traffickers and violent offenders off the streets. - **Firearm seizures**, including the recovery of **two illegally modified Glock handguns**, which were directly linked to violent turf disputes over drug territories. - **Additional firearms**—loaded handguns—were confiscated during targeted raids and traffic stops, highlighting ongoing gun-related threats. - **Large narcotics seizures** involved crack cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and synthetic party drugs like pink cocaine—indicative of extensive regional trafficking operations. - Authorities also confiscated **approximately 150 pounds of THC products** from illegal marijuana stores, underscoring the illegal distribution of cannabis derivatives. These seizures illustrate a **dangerous nexus between firearms and narcotics**, emphasizing the importance of sustained enforcement to curb violence and addiction. ### Focused Action on Arctic Street: Dismantling a Crime Leader A recent pivotal operation centered on an apartment complex on Arctic Street in Bridgeport, leading to the arrest of **Thomas Burns, 53, of Norwalk**. Burns faces multiple felony charges related to **narcotics distribution and illegal firearm possession**, representing a significant blow to the organized crime leadership in the region. **Details of the Arctic Street operation include:** - The arrest was based on **substantial intelligence** linking Burns directly to ongoing drug trafficking and firearm involvement. - Authorities recovered **illegal firearms**, notably the **modified Glock**, along with narcotics evidence. - This raid exemplifies a **targeted crackdown on repeat offenders and key figures**, rather than isolated incidents. - **Another Norwalk man, also aged 53**, was detained on narcotics charges during the operation, indicating a coordinated effort to dismantle interconnected trafficking networks. ### Interdictions and Regional Connections Routine traffic stops continue to serve as effective interdiction tools: - A recent stop led to the seizure of **two loaded firearms** and **crack cocaine**, with suspects facing charges for firearm possession and drug trafficking. - In addition, a **raid on Chapman Avenue in Bridgeport** in January resulted in the arrest of multiple Waterbury residents, further exposing regional trafficking links. **Recent arrests at Charles F. Greene Homes** in Bridgeport revealed a significant narcotics distribution ring operating within the complex, with evidence pointing to ongoing trafficking and firearm involvement. ### Regional Pattern of Crime Across Multiple Towns The regional scope of these criminal enterprises is evident: - In **West Haven**, authorities convicted a man for possessing fentanyl and a firearm, illustrating widespread drug-related firearm crimes. - **Stratford** law enforcement continues investigations into drug activity, responding to neighborhood complaints and seeking **multiple wanted suspects** involved in supply chains. - The raid on **Chapman Avenue** in Waterbury led to **10 arrests**, emphasizing the interconnected nature of trafficking networks across towns. ### Federal and Local Collaboration: A New Level of Enforcement A significant recent development was the **arrest of six suspects in a federal operation** targeting large-scale drug and firearm distribution networks. This operation involved agencies such as the FBI, ATF, and local police, reflecting a **comprehensive approach** to dismantling organized crime. **Key aspects include:** - The **six suspects**, including **four Connecticut residents**, face federal charges of **conspiracy to distribute narcotics and illegal firearms**, including high-capacity weapons. - During raids, authorities seized **large quantities of narcotics and weapons**, disrupting multiple supply points. - This operation underscores a **substantial resource commitment** and an expanded scope targeting higher-level figures in the trafficking hierarchy. ### Recent Sentencing and Ongoing Prosecutions Legal outcomes continue to underscore law enforcement’s resolve: - In a notable case, **a Bridgeport man was sentenced to five years in federal prison** for distributing fentanyl, with prosecutors emphasizing the seriousness of the crackdown. > *"A Bridgeport man was sentenced to five years in federal prison and four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl across the region,"* said federal prosecutors. - Additionally, **a Bridgeport man was sentenced to four and a half years** for his role in a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking ring, exemplifying the judiciary’s role in these efforts. Numerous other arrests have led to guilty pleas and ongoing prosecutions, indicating a sustained push to hold offenders accountable. ### Local Incidents and Community-Focused Efforts Recent incidents highlight ongoing challenges and the importance of community engagement: - **Shelton police** arrested **Eunice Berrios, 60**, after a neighbor dispute escalated into violence. Found in possession of a firearm and drugs, Berrios reportedly pointed a gun during the altercation. This case illustrates how personal disputes can escalate into broader gun violence linked to illegal activities. - Enforcement also targeted youth and prescription drug issues, such as a **raid on a Fairfield vape shop** suspected of illegal sales of marijuana products to minors—raising public health concerns. - **Craig Deitz** of Fairfield was charged with **forging oxycodone prescriptions**, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug fraud and abuse. ### Continued Priorities: Patrols, Intelligence-Sharing, and Youth Outreach Law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts through: - **Increasing patrols** in high-crime neighborhoods to deter illegal activities. - **Enhancing intelligence-sharing** among federal, state, and local agencies to identify additional targets. - Conducting **further raids and seizures** to dismantle residual elements of trafficking networks. - Expanding **community outreach and youth intervention programs** to prevent juvenile involvement in violence and drugs. ### Current Status and Implications The ongoing enforcement campaign demonstrates a **strong, strategic approach**: - The arrest of **Thomas Burns** and the confiscation of **modified Glocks and loaded handguns** represent a critical blow to local trafficking operations. - Large-scale raids such as those on **Chapman Avenue** and **Charles F. Greene Homes** have resulted in multiple arrests and seizures. - The **federal operation** targeting six suspects underscores a **broader resource commitment** and focus on dismantling organized crime at higher levels. **Implications for the Community:** These efforts aim to **dismantle trafficking networks**, reduce drug availability, and curb gun violence. Increased police visibility and community engagement are expected to **restore public confidence** and promote safer neighborhoods. ### Conclusion The region’s multi-agency crackdown remains a **robust, evolving effort** to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, and gun violence. Recent successes—such as the arrest of **Thomas Burns**, the federal operation with six suspects, and large seizures—show a determined push to create safer environments. As investigations continue and interagency cooperation deepens, authorities remain committed to **dismantling criminal enterprises**, **preventing future violence**, and **building resilient communities** across southwestern Connecticut. The collective efforts serve as a clear message: organized crime will face persistent and coordinated resistance, with public safety as the primary goal.