Man accused of selling counterfeit pills from garage lab

Authorities have described this case as one of the largest counterfeit pill busts in New England’s history. Hinton reportedly ran his operation using pill presses and drugs sourced from international sellers, shipping over 1,300 packages across the U.S. from February 2023 to February 2024. The investigation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, began after a tip-off in June 2023. Following surveillance and undercover purchases, authorities executed search warrants on September 5, 2024, leading to the seizure of hundreds of thousands of pills and significant manufacturing equipment.

Details of the Operation

• Location: Hinton operated from a rented garage he referred to as his “lab,” located approximately five miles from downtown New Haven.
• Products: The counterfeit pills mimicked prescription medications such as oxycodone, Xanax, and Adderall, but contained harmful substances including methamphetamine and protonitazene, alongside other drugs like dimethylpentylone and xylazine.

Legal Actions and Arrests

Hinton and four associates were arrested during the raid, while three others were released pending trial. Hinton’s criminal history includes past convictions for assault, larceny, and drug sales. The indictments reflect ongoing concerns about the proliferation of synthetic opioids and the significant role counterfeit pills play in the current overdose epidemic in the U.S., which has resulted in over 107,500 overdose deaths in the past year alone.

Broader Implications

This case highlights the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug trafficking, particularly regarding synthetic opioids. Officials have expressed their commitment to targeting organizations and individuals involved in distributing these dangerous substances, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in addressing the opioid crisis affecting communities across the nation.