United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national, who was illegally in the United States, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to the mandatory minimum of five years in prison for distributing over 1,000 fentanyl pills in North Las Vegas, announced the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada.

"Fentanyl is a deadly poison that continues to devastate families across communities,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message to those who profit from trafficking this lethal drug: federal law enforcement will pursue you, and you will face severe consequences in federal prison. We remain committed to removing these dangerous substances and the individuals who distribute them from our streets.”

“Fentanyl remains an insatiable killer, bringing irreparable harm into our communities,” said David S. Olesky, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which covers Nevada. “All those involved in illicit drug trafficking, irrespective of their role in the supply chain, will face the full weight of the law.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 8, 2023, a co-defendant directed Erick Fuentes Lopez to distribute fentanyl pills. When he arrived at a parking lot Fuentes Lopez sold approximately 600 fentanyl pills. Later, on July 12, 2023, a co-defendant directed Fuentes Lopez to distribute fentanyl pills at the same parking lot. Fuentes Lopez distributed approximately 500 fentanyl pills. A total of 118.3 grams of fentanyl were distributed. 

Fuentes Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. 

This case was investigated by the DEA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melanee Smith prosecuted the case.