Accused Drug Dealer From Hartford Charged: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man is facing federal narcotics distribution charges and is being held by authorities following an appearance in court Tuesday.

Marc H. Silverman, acting U.S. attorney for Connecticut, and Anish Shukla, acting special agent in charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced Wednesday that Rafael Orlando Garcia, 34, of Hartford, was arrested Tuesday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with narcotics distribution offenses, specifically fentanyl distribution.

Garcia appeared Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force identified Garcia, who has a prior federal conviction, as a significant Hartford-area narcotics trafficker.

Authorities said between February and April 2025, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from Garcia.

The complaint charges Garcia with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Officials said he was also charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

This offense carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum prison term of 40 years.

For the full federal announcement, click on this link.