United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN DIEGO – Nameer Mohammad Atta was sentenced in federal court today to 20 years in prison for distributing the fentanyl that led to the fatal overdose of a 26-year-old active-duty lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps on May 21, 2020.

When handing down the sentence, U.S. District Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro told the defendant he “needs to take accountability for his actions.” Judge Montenegro also highlighted the “devastation caused by the defendant’s conduct” by profiting from his prolific sales of fentanyl.

A jury convicted Atta after a two-day trial in September 2022.

According to evidence presented at trial, Atta sold counterfeit “M30” pills in April and May 2020 to the Marine, identified in court records as C.M.R., knowing that these pills were counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained illicit fentanyl. Atta used social media to market and arrange sales of these pills, referring to them as the “most trusted” in San Diego, and in text messages as the “most trusted” and “most potent” in the area. Atta referred to these pills as “M30s,” “Percs” and “Perc30s,” nicknames for fentanyl-laced pills. Atta’s final sale to C.M.R. occurred on May 20, 2020. C.M.R. died from an overdose the next day.

“This was a selfish, deliberate act,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge James Nunnallee. “The defendant chose to market deadly fentanyl pills on social media, fully aware of the risk, and a young Marine is dead as a result. We will continue to hold accountable those who use market this deadly poison and show complete disregard for human life.”

“The defendant’s decision to sell fentanyl resulted in the tragic loss of a young United States Marine,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “When a dealer chooses to distribute a poison they know can kill, the consequences should be measured in decades, not years. This sentence reflects the gravity of that loss and the value of the life that was taken.”

“Those who ruthlessly disregard others’ safety by distributing fentanyl for personal gain must be held to account,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Payne of the NCIS Marine Corps West Field Office. “NCIS and our partners remain committed to aggressively investigating any individual or entity complicit in the illicit distribution of substances that pose significant threats to the readiness and security of Department of the Navy personnel, families, and local communities.”

“HSI remains steadfast in its collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that individuals who distribute lethal doses of fentanyl are held fully accountable for their actions,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy. “This sentence underscores the gravity of fentanyl distribution, the impact it has in our communities, and HSI’s commitment to pursuing those responsible for distributing the deadly drug.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Sutton. Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Owen Roth and J’me K. Forrest contributed significantly to the case.

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