MEMPHIS, TN – A sophisticated operation peddling deadly counterfeit prescription drugs has crumbled, with two Texas residents now facing significant federal prison sentences. The scheme involved distributing methamphetamine disguised as Adderall, reaching as far as Western Tennessee, and a complex money laundering network designed to conceal the illicit profits. U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentences today, marking a victory in the ongoing battle against darknet drug trafficking.
Winrose Ndichu, 33, was convicted of aiding and abetting the structuring of financial transactions to evade reporting requirements. Her co-conspirator, Eric Bernard Russell, Jr., 39, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The pair worked under the direction of Kevin Olando Ombisi, 35, who previously received a staggering 210-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution and attempted distribution of methamphetamine, sale of counterfeit Adderall, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and mail fraud.
The investigation, which began in November 2019, revealed that law enforcement officers made undercover purchases from a Darknet vendor operating under the name “CARDINGMASTER.” This vendor advertised “100% AUTHENTIC Adderall Brand 30 mg” pills. While the pills appeared legitimate, lab tests proved they contained methamphetamine – a Schedule II controlled substance – instead of the active ingredient in Adderall. The narcotics were shipped from Texas to the Western District of Tennessee, with payments made in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
The financial trail quickly led to a web of deceit. Proceeds from the drug sales were funneled through fictitious businesses and a network of bank accounts, then disguised as cryptocurrency transactions. Ndichu, under Ombisi’s direction, systematically withdrew over $250,000 in cash over a single year, making deposits and withdrawals in increments of less than $10,000 to avoid triggering federal reporting requirements. She knowingly laundered funds derived from, or intended to facilitate, illegal activity.
U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris handed down the sentences on March 28th and June 27th, 2024. Russell received 42 months of imprisonment, while Ndichu will serve 18 months. It’s crucial to remember that there is no parole in the federal system – these individuals will serve the entirety of their sentences. The DEA Nashville Field Division, FDA-OCI, HSI El Paso, USPIS, and local law enforcement agencies collaborated on the investigation.
“This case demonstrates the dangers of purchasing drugs online and the lengths criminals will go to conceal their illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Ritz. He commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks for her prosecution of the case and the dedication of the investigating agencies. For media inquiries, contact USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or X at @WDTNNews for updates.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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