Police Make Drug Arrest at Deep River Muster

It’s not the sort of thing you’d expect at an iconic all-American festival like the Deep River Ancient Muster.

On July 15, during the “tattoo” the night before the muster, state police nabbed a man they allege is in this country illegally and who was selling cocaine in Deavitts Field, where the tattoo – a gathering of military musicians, such as fife and drum corps, gather to practice – was taking place.

According to state police at the Troop F Barracks in Westbrook, officers observed Elvin Eduardo Chirinos, 38, selling cocaine in Deavitts Field around 10 p.m. Chirinos, who told officers he lives in Raeford, N.C., was taken into custody and charged with sale of narcotics and possession of narcotics or controlled substances.

Chirinos, police said, had $500 in his possession at the time of his arrest as well as several bags of cocaine packaged for sale.

Chirinos, a native of Honduras, according to court officials, was later determined to be in the country illegally and police contacted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). That agency is holding Chirinos on a detainer for deportation, according to the arrest report.

Chirinos was arraigned Monday in Middletown Superior Court and his bond was set at $1,000. Court officials said he is still being detained by federal authorities, but were not sure where he is being held.