New Haven Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISMAEL RUIZ, also known as “Papo,” 51, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad targeted a New Haven-based heroin trafficking organization.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, revealed that members of the organization regularly purchased bulk quantities of heroin from suppliers located in the Bronx, New York, and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors, including RUIZ, on the streets of New Haven.

The investigation has resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.

RUIZ was arrested on March 15, 2017.  On August 10, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments. 

The New Haven, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments, together with the U.S. Coast Guard, provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patrick F. Caruso.