Lengthy Prison Terms For Meth, Fentanyl Pill Traffickers From West Haven, New Haven: Feds

WEST HAVEN, CT — A 46-year-old West Haven man and a 34-year-old New Haven man will serve 10 years and 11.5 years, respectively, in federal prison for trafficking counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and laced fentanyl powder, the Justice Department said Wednesday.

Markeyese Kelly, 46, of West Haven and Jaquan Price, 34, of New Haven, will also serve five years of supervised release following their prison terms, according to U.S. Attorney for CT, David X. Sullivan.

According to Sullivan, and court documents and statements made in court, in October 2023, the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Kelly.

"The investigation, which included controlled purchases of narcotics in February and March 2024, revealed that Kelly, Price, and their associate Robert Covington sold various controlled substances, including multicolored pills pressed to look like ecstasy that actually contained methamphetamine, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, powder fentanyl laced with xylazine, and PCP," Sullivan said.

Kelly, Price, and Covington were arrested May 14, 2024, he said.

"On that date, investigators executed multiple search warrants," Sullivan said, "And seized more than a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, and an additional quantity of meth powder, more than 100 grams of fentanyl pills and powder, approximately 50 grams of cocaine, three handguns, two loaded gun magazines, ammunition, and more than $11,000 in cash."

In late February, Kelly pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

On March 21, Price pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Both have been locked up since their arrests.

Covington pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This case was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force (which includes officers from the East Haven, Milford, and Wallingford police departments), the West Haven and New Haven police departments, Connecticut State Police, and the state Department of Correction.