NEW HAVEN, CT – A Hamden man is facing serious federal charges after authorities say he knowingly peddled deadly fentanyl disguised as the painkiller oxycodone, ultimately contributing to the death of a 30-year-old victim. AGUSTIN CIRINO, 29, was arrested May 9, 2017, and released on a $100,000 bond following an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven.
The case stems from an ongoing statewide crackdown on narcotics dealers pushing heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids with devastating consequences. According to court documents, Hamden Police and emergency medical services responded to a residence on March 9, 2017, where they discovered the deceased male. Investigators seized several items, including three pills suspected of being oxycodone and the victim’s cellphone.
A deeper dive into the victim’s communications revealed he’d arranged to purchase oxycodone tablets from CIRINO on March 7 and 8. However, the DEA Northeast Laboratory quickly shattered that assumption. The pills weren’t oxycodone at all, but a dangerous mix of fentanyl, acetaminophen, and dipyrone. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later confirmed the victim’s cause of death: “acute fentanyl toxicity, clonazepam, duloxetine use.”
CIRINO is now charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, as well as conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. Each of these offenses carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Hamden Police Department.
The Tactical Diversion Squad is a multi-agency task force comprising officers from New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield, Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly was quick to emphasize that the charges against CIRINO are merely allegations. “A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt,” she stated. “Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.
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Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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