by Daniel Duric, for the Newport Dispatch

NORTH TROY — Two Connecticut men have been indicted on federal drug charges after U.S. Border Patrol agents say the pair fled a traffic stop near the Canadian border and tossed a bag containing fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base from their vehicle.

A federal grand jury returned the indictment March 26 charging Harold Sterling, 33, and Isaias Ramos, 31, both of Hartford, Connecticut, with possessing with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, cocaine and fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Ramos was additionally charged with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.

Both men pleaded not guilty at an arraignment March 30 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. They have been ordered detained.

According to court records, Border Patrol agents spotted a vehicle driven by Sterling and Ramos at about 11:45 p.m. March 12 near North Troy. An agent suspected the vehicle was involved in potential human smuggling across the Canadian border and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle sped away and a plastic bag was thrown from the window, authorities said.

Agents later recovered the bag and found it contained approximately 82 grams of fentanyl, 23 grams of cocaine powder and 107 grams of cocaine base, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The vehicle was found abandoned in a nearby parking lot. A .22-caliber revolver was found inside a backpack belonging to Ramos in the vehicle.

Border Patrol agents tracked footprints from the vehicle to a residence in North Troy. Sterling and Ramos were arrested there March 13 with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police and the Newport Police Department.

If convicted, Ramos faces up to 40 years in prison. Sterling faces up to life in prison as a result of a prior conviction for a serious drug felony, according to prosecutors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that the indictment contains allegations only and that both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigative work of Border Patrol, the ATF, state police and the Newport Police Department.