Daniel Hernandez Ixta, Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking, Massachusetts 2018

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Table of Contents

California Man Charged in Heroin, Fentanyl Bust

A California man has been charged with heroin and fentanyl trafficking after a major bust in Massachusetts. Daniel Hernandez Ixta, 37, of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., was arrested yesterday in connection with the sale of approximately 11 kilograms of narcotics, including four kilograms of suspected heroin and five kilograms of suspected fentanyl.

According to court documents, an individual arranged to purchase four kilograms of heroin, five kilograms of fentanyl, and 5,000 pills from a narcotics distributor for a total purchase price of $517,000. The distributor agreed to arrange to have the drugs transported and delivered to the individual in North Andover.

On Aug. 29, 2018, Hernandez allegedly met with the individual in an industrial warehouse park in North Andover near the Lawrence Municipal Airport to complete the transaction. After giving the individual a black duffle bag, agents responded to the scene and arrested Hernandez.

It is alleged that nine kilograms of suspected narcotics were found in the duffle bag, and two additional kilograms of suspected narcotics and approximately 5,000 pills were found in Hernandez’s truck.

Hernandez is charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a crime that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.

United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Dolan of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.