United States Drug Enforcement Administration

EUGENE, Ore.—On August 16, 2023, a Deschutes County, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl to Oregon for distribution. Krista Vela, 39, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. “Today marks a significant victory in our...

BOISE, Idaho – Two multi-faceted, large-scale Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigations have resulted in the federal indictments of 25 defendants on drug trafficking and firearms charges. Seventeen indictments were issued over the last several months by federal grand juries sitting in Idaho along with an additional...

WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration recognizes National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day by joining the dedicated voices who continue to raise awareness in an effort to prevent the fentanyl poisonings devastating families across the country. On Monday, August 21 the DEA Museum will open with extended hours from 6...

POCATELLO – Ramon Morales Jr., 41, of Compton, California, was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for importing and distributing methamphetamine in Eastern Idaho in exchange for firearms. According to court records, Morales was initially arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol when he was caught attempting to smuggle...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Eric Castañeda, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, and Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Rafael Columbie was sentenced to 10 years in prison. A federal jury convicted Columbie, 54, of...

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment Thursday against Pantalion Lopez-Zavala, 30, of Hesperia, charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark announced. According to court documents, on July...

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Mojica Medina, 35, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm...

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 23-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 210 grams of meth, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Jacob Soliz...

LAREDO, Texas – A 38-year-old resident of Laredo has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division, and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On May 26, authorities executed a search warrant...

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Robert J. Fairbanks, Jr., 58, of Lowman, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S...