Erika Vega Ramirez, Fentanyl Trafficking, Ohio 2020

A Toledo woman has been charged with fentanyl trafficking and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances after investigators seized a kilogram of the deadly drug from a package addressed to her home.

Erika Vega Ramirez, 31, of Toledo, Ohio, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Cleveland on two counts: conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and attempted possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

The indictment alleges that Ramirez possessed enough fentanyl to kill 500,000 people. According to court documents, on November 17, 2020, Postal Inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) identified a parcel suspected of containing drugs addressed to a residence on E. Broadway St in Toledo, Ohio.

On November 18, a canine used to detect narcotics gave a positive alert on the parcel, and a search warrant was obtained. Inside the package, Inspectors discovered that the parcel allegedly contained 1001 grams of fentanyl.

On November 19, 2020, law enforcement agents with the USPIS and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel with the fentanyl replaced. The defendant allegedly opened the front door, accepted the parcel and brought it inside the residence. Shortly thereafter, Postal Inspectors and DEA task force officers executed a search warrant and detained the defendant.

“Fentanyl has killed thousands and thousands of Ohioans,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “This defendant is alleged to have possessed enough fentanyl to kill 500,000 more. I am grateful for the actions of our law enforcement partners who prevented these deadly drugs from reaching the streets.”

If convicted, the defendant’s sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, each defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Agency. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deyana Unis.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/toledo-woman-charged-after-receiving-package-containing-kilogram-fentanyl