Pablo Texidor, Oxycodone Counterfeiting, CT 2024

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Pablo Texidor, the drug kingpin of West Hartford, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for importing a tablet press machine to manufacture fake oxycodone pills laced with heroin. The 40-year-old’s illegal enterprise was brought to light when U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a shipment from China containing ‘machine spare parts,’ which turned out to be a set of tablet press dies.

Investigations revealed that five parcels had been shipped previously to Texidor’s residence, all under the guise of ‘machine parts.’ On March 30, 2017, DEA agents raided Texidor’s home, where they found a tableting press, seven pill dies, and 99 fake oxycodone pills containing no oxycodone but heroin. The bust also yielded four grams of pure heroin and approximately 500 grams of binding powder.

On August 29, 2017, Texidor pleaded guilty to importing any product used to manufacture a controlled substance. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea sentenced the defendant to serve 18 months behind bars followed by one year of supervised release. Texidor was released on a $50,000 bond and is required to report to prison on May 1.

This case was a collaborative effort between the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the West Hartford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Michael McGarry prosecuted the case with tenacity and dedication.

Texidor’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal drug operations in our communities. The Grimy Times will continue to report on such stories, shedding light on the relentless fight against crime.

RELATED: Deported Drug Kingpin Busted in CT: Back for More

RELATED: New Haven Coke King Gets 10 Years