More Drug Arrests Announced as Police Work to Combat Heroin Epidemic

The Regional Community Enhancement Task Force, which is comprised of Detectives and Officers from southeastern Connecticut, formed to combat the heroin epidemic in the area and to improve the quality of life for citizens announced two more arrests late Friday.

Herbert Villarini, 25, of Crystal Avenue in New London and he is charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to sell, and possession of less than half ounce of marijuana.

He was placed under arrest in Groton after an investigation into the sale of tainted heroin, within southeastern Connecticut.

Seized during this investigation was over 10 grams of heroin packaged for sale, cash, and 2 cellular phones, police said in a news release.

Later it was found that the heroin seized during this investigation tested positive for the presumptive presence of fentanyl; which has been reported to be the cause of recent overdoses in the region, police said. Villarini is a convicted felon and currently has 4 pending cases.

Daquan A. Lancaster, 20, of Maple Avenue Apartment 2 Uncasville was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of narcotics, and failure to keep narcotic in proper container.

He was placed under arrest in Groton after an investigation into the sale of tainted heroin within southeastern Connecticut.

Seized during this investigation was over 3.5 grams of cocaine, cash, and a cellular phone. Lancaster is currently on probation for second-degree assault and is a convicted felon, police said.