Branford PD Contributes to Huge DEA Bust

Officials are calling it the largest federal criminal case in Connecticut history. Over 105 defendants from New Haven and the surrounding areas have been charged with narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses in what law enforcement called "Operation Bloodline," a year-long joint investigation headed by the DEA's New Haven Task Force.

At a press conference in New Haven Tuesday afternoon, United States Attorney David Fein said the investigation began when police learned about gang presence in two New Haven neighborhoods: the Bloods in Dwight-Kensington and the Island Brothers in Fair Haven.

Arrests began Thursday and continued until Tuesday morning. Officers confiscated substantial amounts of cocaine, crack, heroin, marijuana, oxycodin, and unlawful firearms.

"This is not the end of the investigation, but rather the beginning," said DEA Special Agent Kevin Lane. Lane said 90 arrests have been made and 15 individuals are still being sought by police.

While all arrests were made in the New Haven area, officers from Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden contributed. Fein added a long list of thanks to groups including the U.S. marshals Service and the Connecticut State Police.

Branford Police Chief Kevin Halloran was commended by Fein for his contributions, and one Branford resident was among those charged in a Grand Jury docket released today.

Branford Patch will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information is released.