Man’s Death Leads To Arrest Of Hamden Resident On Federal Drug Charges: Feds

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden man faces federal charges of distributing fentanyl disguised as oxycodone in connection to the death of a 30-year-old man. Agustin Cirino, 29, was charged in the federal criminal complaint this week, authorities announced. The arrest stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

Cirino was arrested May 9 and appeared in New Haven federal court this week and was released on a $100,000 bond. (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

The arrest stems from an investigation into the death of a 30-year-old man in March. Hamden Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a Hamden residence on March 9, 2017 where the man was found deceased. At the scene, investigators seized drug and non-drug evidence, including three suspected oxycodone tablets and the victim’s cellphone. The investigation revealed that the victim arranged to purchase oxycodone tablets from Cirino on March 7 and March 8, according to a press release from U.S. States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly.

“The DEA Northeast Laboratory subsequently determined that the seized tablets contained fentanyl, acetaminophen and dipyrone, not oxycodone,” Daly wrote in the press release. “The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also determined that the victim died as a result of ‘acute fentanyl toxicity, clonazepam, duloxetine use.’”

Cirino has been charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, and with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, according to Daly.

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