On May 18, 2016, Austin Police Department’s Organized Crime Division detectives filed charges in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas charging Sylvester Orlowski, 26 years of age, and Albert Picazo III, 28 years of age, with intentionally, knowingly and unlawfully possessing with intent to distribute an illegal controlled substance - fentanyl.



During the course of the investigation, detectives found evidence which linked Orlowski and Picazo to the sale of fentanyl to at least two individuals who overdosed and died from the use of the drug. The investigation revealed the drugs to be coming from China. The specific method of delivery remains part of the ongoing local and federal investigation.



APD would like to warn the public that the use of fentanyl is highly dangerous. Its potency is exceptionally greater than that of the same dosage of heroin, methamphetamine or cocaine and can lead to immediate overdose and death if ingested or handled improperly.



Mixing fentanyl with street-sold heroin or cocaine markedly amplifies their potency and potential dangers.



Facts about Fentanyl:

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opiate analgesic similar to but more potent than morphine. It is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat people with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to opiates.



Names:

In its prescription form, fentanyl is known as Actiq, Duragesic and Sublimaze. Street names for the drug include Apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, friend, goodfella, jackpot, murder 8, TNT, as well as Tango and Cash.



Tips: If you or anyone you know suffers from drug addiction, please call a drug rehab facility near you or visit http://austintexas.gov/page/victim-services-resources

Citizens with information related to drug-related crimes may call the Austin Police Department’s Narcotics Hotline at (512) 974-8609 Mugshots are below:



Sylvester Orlowski, 26 years of age Albert Picazo, 28 years of age