Accused Crystal Meth Trafficker Arrested In Norwalk Receives Sentence: Feds

NORWALK, CT — A woman accused of trafficking fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine who was arrested in Norwalk last year was sentenced this week to over four years in prison, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery announced in a news release.

Aurelia Carolina Lara-Diaz, 30, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Boston, Mass., was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Vernon Oliver in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration's Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force determined Lara-Diaz was trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Between November 2022 and January 2023, investigators made controlled purchases of fentanyl pills and crystal methamphetamine from Lara-Diaz, Avery said.

On Jan. 26, 2023, investigators arranged the purchase of 3,000 fentanyl pills and 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from Lara-Diaz for a total price of $65,000. Lara-Diaz was arrested after she arrived at a meeting location in Norwalk in possession of the drugs, according to Avery.

Lara-Diaz has been detained since her arrest. On Nov. 8, 2023, she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and methamphetamine, Avery said.

Lara-Diaz, who was removed from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic in 2019, again faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term, according to Avery.