United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Jianhua Zhao, 25, of the People’s Republic of China, and residing in Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on Oct.1, 2026, after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine.

“The Drug Enforcement Administration is committed to the dismantlement of cyber and Dark Web-based criminal networks responsible for the surge of controlled substances throughout the United States. These illicit operations pose a significant threat to public health and safety. For almost a year, Jianhua Zhao supported a highly sophisticated, nationwide drug trafficking organization that operated on a mass scale, thus profiting from the suffering of others. Even Indiana was not immune to his illegal actions. The sentencing of Zhao sends a clear message that this type of criminal activity is not welcomed here in our Hoosier state,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke. 

“For almost a year, Zhao distributed harmful drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine across the country. Based in Brooklyn, Zhao stockpiled drugs in his residence, packaged them for delivery, and shipped them to buyers who purchased the drugs on the Dark Web. This high-tech scheme distributed drugs to every state in the United States, including cities and towns throughout Indiana, averaging hundreds of drug deals and thousands in sales per month and ultimately leading to the seizure of more than $2,000,000 in virtual currency. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directed the full might of United States law enforcement team towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting this case making clear that drug traffickers cannot hide on the Dark Web. They will be tracked down and brought to justice for sending poison to the heartland. This prosecution was brought through the combined efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the St. Joseph County Police Department, Mishawaka Police Department, Indiana State Police, New York City Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and South Gate Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney and NDIN Appellate Division Chief Joseph P. Falvey,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred for the Northern District of Indiana. 

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting the United States Postal Service employees,” said Inspector in Charge Felicia B. George, United States Postal Inspection Service, Detroit Division. “The public has an expectation that the U.S. Mail and its contents to be safe and not used as a transportation network for controlled substances. The sentencing of Mr. Zhao sends a clear message the United States Postal Service and Inspection Service will not stand for such activity. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works endlessly with our Local, State, and Federal law enforcement partners to protect the public from dangerous substances.” 

“The FBI is committed to using every investigative tool available to identify and bring to justice those who traffic dangerous drugs, including those who attempt to conceal their criminal activity online,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “Technology and the Dark Web will not shield you. If you use the internet to deal drugs, we will find you and hold you accountable. This sentence reflects the strength of our law enforcement partnerships and our commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, wherever they operate.” Zhao’s co-defendant, Bao Xu, was sentenced on June 10, 2026, to 121 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the St. Joseph County Police Department, Mishawaka Police Department, Indiana State Police, New York City Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and South Gate Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Appellate Division Chief Joseph P. Falvey. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Crossroads comprises agents and officers from local, state and federal agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.