7 Connecticut residents indicted in massive counterfeit drug operation
Seven Connecticut residents connected to what federal officials called the nation’s largest counterfeit drug operation.
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A federal grand jury in Bridgeport announced charges Monday against seven Connecticut residents connected to what federal officials are calling the nation’s largest counterfeit drug operation.
The indicted individuals were identified as Kelldon Hinton, 45, of New Haven; Heshima Harris, 53, of New Haven; Emanuel Payton, 33, of New Haven; Marvin Ogman, 47, of West Haven; Shawn Stephens, 34, of West Haven; Arnaldo Echevarria, 42, of Waterbury; and Cheryle Tyson, 64, of West Haven.
The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad led the investigation in collaboration with other agencies. According to the squad, it discovered that Hinton operated a pill press to manufacture fake oxycodone, Xanax, and Adderall pills laced with substances like methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Law enforcement seized over 200,000 counterfeit tablets and other drug making apparatuses during raids of Hinton’s East Haven garage.
The defendants face conspiracy to manufacture and distribute narcotics. Hinton faces a potential life sentence.
“This case showcases one of the largest seizures of fake pills the DEA has ever seen in New England,” said Stephen Belleau, the DEA’s acting special agent in charge in prepared remarks. “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs to the citizens of Connecticut need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
