Disturbing Trends for Fentanyl Use in Connecticut

According to the Connecticut Department of Health, deaths resulting from overdoses rose in the state during the first half of 2020. During this time period, there were 560 confirmed fatalities in addition to 275 cases awaiting toxicology results. In 2019, there were 1200 accidental drug overdose fatalities in the state. About 8 in 10 of these involved fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner documented strong and growing trends. For the first time, in 2019, the combination of fentanyl and xylazine, which is a tranquilizer used by veterinarians, was found in overdose victims in Connecticut. This deadly combination led to 71 deaths. The Department of Public health reports that this same deadly combination has been present in overdose deaths this year. In 2019, 393 people died as a result of taking a fentanyl and cocaine mixture. According to the medical examiner’s statistics, that was a 46% increase in the number of deaths from that particular mixture over 2018.

Fentanyl is deadly

Fentanyl is extremely powerful and deadly. It is used as a pain reliever with the potency 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. The drug was designed to be used for patients suffering from acute pain associated with terminal illnesses, but may be prescribed in controlled medical settings for other uses. However, outside of a medically supervised environment, Fentanyl is extremely dangerous and can kill quickly. Because of its danger, law enforcement has made it a priority to search and track down individuals who are illegally using or selling fentanyl and other opioids.

Potential penalties for illegal possession of fentanyl

An arrest for illegal possession of fentanyl, even a first-time offense, can subject you to severe legal penalties. The consequences an individual may face will depend upon the amount and type of the drug possessed. Simply having a small number of opioid pills on you could subject you to jail time, significant fines, mandatory drug education and testing, probation, and community service.

According to Connecticut’s Penal Code CGS § 53a-54b(6), it is against the law for any individual to manufacture, sell, dispense, prescribe, or transport these drugs with the intent to sell or dispense, possess with the intent to do such, or give, offer, or administer the drug to any other person. A violation of the law can range anywhere from seven years for a first-time offense selling any illegal drug or opioid, up to life in prison if the action of selling the drug led to another person’s death.

At Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC, we understand the specific issues that jurors and judges are looking for when evaluating a drug case. We can work on your behalf to pursue an acquittal, dismissal, or reduced charges based on a negotiated plea. We have the resources to mount a strong defense on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation about your case, give us a call today at 860.649.4400 or complete our contact form. Proudly serving Manchester, Hartford, and the surrounding areas.