SAN FRANCISCO — As synthetic drugs continue to evolve and threaten American lives, DEA chemists and forensic science professionals play an essential role in helping the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration identify emerging threats, connect evidence to investigations, and provide timely information that can save lives. From analyzing suspected fentanyl and...

FRESNO, Calif. — Three individuals were charged today following a multi‑agency investigation that dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratory in Terra Bella, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris announced. Jose Diarte-Perez, 46, and Carlos Beltran-Ochoa, 27, both from Mexico and illegally...

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 48 months of supervised release, on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 500...

SEATTLE – A 22-year-old Mexican national illegally present in the U.S. was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to six years in prison for drug and gun crimes. Jesus Cristerna Lucas delivered 5,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover agent in November 2024. This drug sale came mere months...

BOISE, Idaho--Ricky Dee Sedlacek, 63, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. According to court records, Sedlacek sold more than a quarter pound of methamphetamine over multiple transactions in Oregon and Idaho. Investigators contacted Sedlacek during a traffic stop as he was...

BOISE, Idaho - Michael Joseph Pena, 28, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to court records, Pena sold methamphetamine and fentanyl on multiple occasions throughout the summer and fall of 2025. When questioned...

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerrod Curtis, age 42, Paul Daniel Chavis, a/k/a “Payne,” age 56, and Reneard Harris, age 68, all of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were convicted on September 10, 2026, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and other drug...

SEATTLE – A 40-year-old repeat offender with a long history of drug and gun crimes was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 10.5 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Levi Frank Graham, most recently of Everett, Washington, was identified as a drug redistributor for...

SAN FRANCISCO- In June, DEA San Francisco Field Division and detectives with Marin County Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigative Unit (SIU), began a narcotics investigation into Ian Howerton, 31, of San Francisco. During the investigation, undercover detectives conducted controlled purchases which included the sale of Cocaine and Ketamine from Howerton in...

PORTLAND, Ore.—Hugo Alberto Roman Aparicio, 42, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for a gun trafficking conspiracy. All guns were seized and forfeited. According to court documents, Roman Aparicio and others, conspired to smuggle guns from Portland to Mexico. They hid 12 firearms...