Former Ansonia Resident Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Importing "Molly"

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WAHEED ISLAM, 48, also known as “Max Paine,” formerly of Ansonia and Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for importing and distributing “Molly,” and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2014, the Ansonia Police Department received information that ISLAM was residing in Ansonia and was making and distributing “Molly.” Molly is a street name for MDMA.

In July 2014, a U.S. Postal Inspector reported to Ansonia Police that ISLAM had been receiving packages from China that were labeled as containing “rock sugar.”  On August 8, 2014, a package that had originated in China and was addressed to ISLAM’s post office box in Ansonia was intercepted at JFK International Airport.  U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents opened the package and found it to contain approximately one pound of ethylone, a Schedule I controlled substance that is a stimulant closely related to methylone, MDPV, MDMA and MDEA.  A second package originating from China had been delivered to the Ansonia branch of the U.S. Post Office and was awaiting delivery to ISLAM.  On August 11, 2014, HSI agents opened the second package and found approximately 1.1 pounds of the same substance.  ISLAM was arrested on August 12, 2014, after he arrived at the post office in Ansonia to pick up the package.

On August 15, 2014, another package destined for ISLAM was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.  A search of the package revealed approximately 2.3 pounds of ethylone.

ISLAM has been detained since his arrest.  On March 3, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the United States.

ISLAM’s criminal history includes multiple felony crimes of violence, including first degree assault and first degree robbery.  In addition, on May 6, 2011, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 18 months of imprisonment for illegally purchasing and possessing body armor.  He was on supervised release at the time of his most recent criminal conduct.

This matter was investigated by the Ansonia Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.