Curclund Jackson VanAernam, Fentanyl Conspiracy, Iowa 2024

Two Men Sentenced for Fentanyl Conspiracy in Iowa, 2024

Council Bluffs, Iowa – In a shocking turn of events, two individuals have been held accountable for their role in a fentanyl conspiracy that left two victims fighting for their lives.

According to public court documents, Curclund Jackson VanAernam, 23, of Atlantic, and Luis Alberto Hernandez, 31, of Omaha, distributed fentanyl pills in Omaha and the surrounding areas, including Atlantic, Iowa. At least two victims overdosed after ingesting pills containing fentanyl that VanAernam and Hernandez distributed. Both victims survived after receiving doses of Narcan.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl, which has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.

VanAernam was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison and will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release following his prison term. Hernandez was sentenced to 22 years in prison, to be followed by a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (SWINE) Task Force, Atlantic Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Omaha Police Department investigated the case.

Fentanyl has become a growing concern in the United States, with its potency and availability posing a significant threat to public safety. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in combating the illicit fentanyl trade.

Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill.

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