United States Drug Enforcement Administration

PORTLAND, Maine - Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that Tahir Farid, 22, and Ryan Looney, 19, both of Hamden, have pleaded guilty to federal oxycodone distribution charges.  The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 3, 2016, a 22-year-old male purchased 30 40-milligram oxycodone pills from Farid in exchange for $900.  He then consumed some of those pills, as well as other substances.  On January 5, 2016, the 22-year-old male was found unresponsive at a friend’s residence in Weston.  He remains unresponsive and, according to medical personnel, is in a “persistent vegetative state.”  The investigation revealed that, prior to the victim’s overdose, Looney supplied Farid with oxycodone pills.  Farid then distributed the pills to the victim.  Farid and Looney were arrested on federal criminal complaints on February 22 and February 29, respectively.  Today, Looney waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on August 11, 2016.  The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  On April 26, 2016, Farid pleaded guilty to the same charge.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Chatigny on August 8, 2016.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, U.S. Marshals Service, Weston Police Department and Monroe Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.