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NEW HAVEN — Two men have been indicted for selling counterfeit pills filled with fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs in Connecticut and other states, federal officials said.
The U.S. Department of Justice identified the individuals in a news release Friday as Hector Gonzalez, 42, of Ansonia, and Darel Edwards, 48, of New Haven.
Officials said a long-term investigation revealed that Gonzalez, Edwards, and others distributed counterfeit pills resembling generic brands and pharmaceutical grade Oxycodone and Adderall.
Gonzalez used multiple pill pressing machines to manufacture the pills with various illicit substances, including fentanyl, carfentanil, xylazine, methamphetamine and cocaine, officials said.
Officials said Gonzalez distributed the pills through a network of associates, including Edwards, who then sold the drugs to customers in Connecticut and others out of state using the U.S. Postal Service.
New Haven police arrested Edwards on March 14, 2025, after finding him in possession of more than 200 grams of pills that had been produced by Gonzalez. Investigators later spotted him meeting with Gonzalez to acquire more pills after being released on bond, officials said.
Officials said Connecticut State Police attempted to stop Edwards’ vehicle after the meeting, but Edwards sped away and later abandoned his vehicle in New Haven. Officials said Edwards and an associate in June 2025 sold narcotics pills and a short-barreled rifle to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Gonzalez and Edwards were both arrested on federal criminal complaints on June 30. On the same day, investigators searched Gonzalez’s home and found three mechanical pill pressing machines, more than two kilograms of fentanyl in both powder and counterfeit pill form, more than two kilograms of methamphetamine, two firearms, $280,000 in cash, and diamond-encrusted jewelry, officials said.
The two men were both indicted Tuesday with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances. Officials said the indictment also alleges that each defendant faces enhanced penalties based on prior felony convictions.
Additionally, Gonzalez was charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, while Edwards was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances.
