A federal jury in Hartford has found three New Haven men guilty of participating in a large-scale drug trafficking operation involving counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as other controlled substances. Aquarius Gumbs, 50, Gordon Lauria, 54, and Markos Pappas, 51, were convicted following a trial that revealed a complex network of drug distribution.
The investigation, conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, focused on the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit oxycodone tablets containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall tablets containing methamphetamine.
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The probe also uncovered the distribution of heroin and cocaine in the New Haven area.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Willis Taylor, with the assistance of Lauria, Pappas, Gumbs, and others, coordinated the manufacture and distribution of these counterfeit narcotic pills. Taylor facilitated transactions and distributed the pills, often using Gumbs as a source of supply. Gumbs also operated his own drug distribution network. After Taylor’s arrest in November 2022, Pappas continued the operation, conspiring with Lisa Fausel to distribute controlled substances.
The investigation resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of contraband, including:
- Over two kilograms of fentanyl, including thousands of counterfeit Oxycodone tablets.
- Approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine, including thousands of counterfeit Adderall pills.
- Three kilograms of cocaine and other drugs.
- Four pill-press machines.
- One industrial mixer.
- Five firearms.
- More than $200,000 in cash.
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Notably, two firearms and $13,250 in cash were seized from Gumbs, a convicted felon, during his arrest on November 18, 2022.
Fourteen individuals were charged in connection with this investigation. The jury found Lauria and Gumbs guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances. Pappas was found guilty of two counts of the same charge. Gumbs was also convicted of additional charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Julio Echevarria, the fourth defendant in the trial, was found not guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.
Gumbs, Lauria, and Pappas are currently detained pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.
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