New Haven Man Gets 15 Years For Fentanyl, Heroin Trafficking: Official

NEW HAVEN, CT — Vincent Verderame, 40, of New Haven, was sentenced Friday to 15 years in prison following his arrest in a lengthy state and federal investigation, prosecutors announced.

That probe culminated in a 2022 raid by law enforcement officials of locations and a vehicle tied to Verderame, according to State's Attonrye John P. Doyle. Verderame's sentence will be suspended after serving 10 years, with a five-year conditional discharge, Doyle said.

Verderame was convicted in New Haven Superior Court of two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to sell and one count of criminal possession of ammunition, Doyle noted.

The following narcotics and evidence were seized from a residence, a motor vehicle and a business associated with Verderame pursuant to search warrants executed on Aug. 11, 2022 after an investigation into Verderame’s activities in the Greater New Haven area, Doyle said:

• Cocaine Base: 204 grams with an approximate street value of $20,000

• Heroin: 596.1 grams with an approximate street value of $40,000

• Fentanyl: 1753.9 grams with an approximate street value of $130,000

• Cocaine: 1000 grams with an approximate street value of $37,000

Law enforcement officials also seized 41 rounds of 9mm ammunition and $8,167 in cash, that Doyle said was ordered forfeited to the state. The investigation was conducted by the New Haven office of the DEA, the State Police Statewide Narcotics and Firearms Trafficking Task Force and the New Haven Police Department Criminal Intelligence Unit and Shooting Task Force.

Doyle noted in a news release that he was grateful "for the collaborative efforts of law enforcement officials in arresting Verderame and getting illegal drugs, particularly the large supply of fentanyl, off the streets."

“Fentanyl is an urgent threat to our communities, driving the recent increase in drug overdose deaths across the country,” Doyle said. “It’s imperative at this time that law enforcement officials work together to hold accountable those responsible for supplying the fentanyl that is poisoning and killing adults and children in our communities."