Fentanyl Distributor Connected to 2 Overdose Deaths Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAQWON GRAHAM, also known as "Seagull" and "Energy," 31, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 130 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a fentanyl trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration's Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Graham as a large-scale fentanyl distributor in and around Fairfield County. Investigators also connected Graham's drug trafficking activities to an overdose death of a male victim in Branford in March 2023, and an overdose death of a female victim in Shelton in October 2024. In January and February 2025, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl mixed with xylazine from Graham.

Graham was arrested on February 26, 2025, in Stamford after investigators coordinated a purchase of a large quantity of fentanyl and found him in possession of approximately 400 grams of the drug. A subsequent search of his person revealed additional quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine.

Graham has been detained since his arrest. On July 23, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

The Drug Enforcement Administration's Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.