United States Drug Enforcement Administration

RIVERSIDE, California – A Loma Linda man has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, the use of which resulted in a victim’s overdose death in January 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division announced today.

Alexander Nihar Biswas, 42, was sentenced on Thursday by United States District Judge Kenly Kiya Kato, who also ordered him to pay $1,701 in restitution. Biswas pleaded guilty on January 6 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He has been in federal custody since March 2025. According to his plea agreement, on January 4, 2024, Biswas knowingly agreed to sell fentanyl to the victim. Biswas met the victim in the parking lot of a Loma Linda hotel where the victim was staying. The victim used the powerful synthetic opioid later that day and suffered a fatal overdose on or about January 4. Biswas admitted that he distributed the fentanyl to the victim, the use of which resulted in the victim’s death. 

According to the DEA, fentanyl remains the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45 years old. Last year, DEA intensified its fight against the deadly threat of synthetic opioids with the launch of its Fentanyl Free America initiative. 

David Olesky, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, said, “The actions of this drug dealer brought untold heartbreak upon a family, whose loved one was taken too soon. Although this sentencing cannot heal the permanent loss, we hope it brings some form of solace to the victim’s family. I am grateful to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for reaching out to collaborate on this investigation. Working alongside the United States Attorney’s Office, we successfully brought the case to this conclusion.”

Sheriff Shannon Dicus of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said, “I’m proud of the investigative work by our Overdose Response Team and our partners with the Drug Enforcement Administration, whose investigation helped bring justice for the victim and their family. This successful prosecution, along with continued enforcement and fentanyl awareness, sends a clear message that those who distribute this deadly drug will be held accountable. This is an important example of why local, state, and federal agencies should continue to collaborate with each other.”

The DEA and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Overdose Response Team investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Erin C. Kiss of the Orange County Office prosecuted this case.