Groton — An investigation into fentanyl-laced heroin culminated in the arrests of two men and the seizure of 500 individually packaged bags of heroin laced with the more powerful narcotic Friday.

The men were in a car stopped at a business on Gold Star Highway in Groton when police from the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force, which is investigating the sale of tainted heroin, approached the vehicle.

Police said the men attempted to flee in reverse and eventually had to be subdued by officers.

Found during the investigation were 500 bags of heroin that police said tested positive for the presumptive presence of fentanyl, which has been linked to recent overdoses in the region.

Arrested were Robert Cabanban, 26, of 23 Maple Ave., New London, and Paul Concordia, 22, of 11 King Arthur Drive, Apt. 2L, East Lyme.

Cabanban was charged with possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to sell and interfering with an officer.

Concordia was charged with conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to sell and interfering with an officer.

Both were being held on $250,000 bond.