Two Mexican Men Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution
Two Mexican men, Florencio Camacho Allan and Gerardo Gaxiola Patiño, have been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for their involvement in distributing over 1 million fentanyl pills. They pleaded guilty to felony charges of conspiracy to distribute and intent to distribute fentanyl. Another man, Alex Valdez Oroz, also pleaded guilty to the same charges and is awaiting sentencing in September.
Drug Trafficking Operation Uncovered
From September 2022 to March 2023, the men were planning to distribute fentanyl on behalf of a Mexican drug broker. The broker had arranged a deal with an American buyer in the Los Angeles area to purchase 2 million fentanyl pills for 75 cents each. The initial transaction was set to take place at a Denny’s restaurant in El Segundo, where a “sample” purchase of 10,000 fentanyl pills was made.
Authorities Intervene in Drug Deal
After the sample purchase, plans were made to sell an additional 1 million fentanyl pills. Law enforcement intervened in the transaction, taking the men into custody and uncovering over 240 pounds of fentanyl pills in their vehicle. The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from local law enforcement and the California National Guard, investigated the case and put an end to the dangerous drug trafficking operation.
