New Haven Man Sentenced for Distributing Tainted Cocaine That Led to Three Deaths

NEW HAVEN, CT—City man Frank Pina, 57, was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for distributing cocaine laced with fentanyl that led to three deaths in June.

On June 23 17 people overdoses after consuming narcotics and three of the victims died. Many or all of the victims thought they were just getting cocaine, but it was in fact laced with the powerful opioid fentanyl that is 50 times stronger than heroin.

Pina had overdosed days before on the same drugs he distributed.

"This defendant sold cocaine laced with fentanyl creating a lethal cocktail that tragically stole three lives,” said U.S. Attorney Deidre Daly. “He himself spent three days in the hospital having overdosed on the same toxic mixture. His crime is all the more shameful as he was fully aware of the acute danger of the cocaine he was peddling."

Pina pleaded guilt in August to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He already has multiple felony convictions including a drug conviction in 2004.