Connecticut Man Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base and Fentanyl

BURLINGTON - The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on May 7, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Dayquan Smith, 34, of Hartford, Connecticut with possessing with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base and fentanyl.

Smith entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on May 7, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle had previously ordered that Smith be detained during the pendency of this matter.

According to court records, on January 21, 2026, members of the Vermont State Police executed a search warrant at a residence on Sand Hill Road in Bethel, Vermont. Smith was present in a camper on the property in which law enforcement found over 350 grams of suspected cocaine base, over 40 grams of suspected purple fentanyl, and an unknown wet white powder/sludge on the floor of the shower. Also within the camper was approximately $8,675 in U.S. currency, a Ruger LCP Max .380 pistol, and a box of .380 caliber ammunition.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Smith is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years' imprisonment and a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police and the FBI.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Smith is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon.