News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2010
Contact: Casey McEnry
Number: 415-436-7994

Fresno BZP Dealer Sentenced To More Than 5 Years In Prison

MAY 7 -- FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill sentenced THANONGSACK PHUANGKEO, 33, of Fresno, to five years and three months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute N-benzylpiperazine, also known as BZP.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the case.

According to the DEA, BZP is a powerful stimulant with no medicinal value. The abuse of BZP was first reported in late 1996 in California. BZP is often sold as MDMA, promoted as an alternative to MDMA, and is targeted to the youth population. The combination of BZP and MDMA can be fatal.

PHUANGKEO pleaded guilty to the charges on January 29, 2010. In his plea agreement, PHUANGKEO acknowledged possessing with intent to distribute 1,030 BZP pills in his home across the street from DeWolf High School in Central Fresno.

###