A federal grand jury has recently indicted two men for allegedly supplying fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine through the darknet to customers in all 50 states. The two-count indictment charges Omar Navia and Adan Ruiz with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. It is alleged that these individuals were part of a drug trafficking organization that utilized the darknet and encrypted messaging applications to facilitate the sale of narcotics to thousands of customers across the country. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal drug trade and protect the safety of the public. The defendants have pleaded not guilty, and a trial date has been scheduled for later this year.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Men for Supplying Fentanyl and Other Narcotics Through Darknet to Customers in All 50 States
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Introduction
The United States Department of Justice has announced that a federal grand jury has indicted two men for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization that supplied fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine through the darknet to customers in all 50 states. The accused individuals, Omar Navia and Adan Ruiz, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Navia is also facing an additional charge of distribution of fentanyl. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the case, including details of the charges and arrests, involvement of other individuals, communication and delivery methods, payment methods, the extent of the operation, legal implications, FBI investigation, and the prosecution of the case.
Charges and Arrests
The indictment, consisting of two counts, was returned on October 25 and charges Navia and Ruiz for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine. On November 2, both Navia and Ruiz were arrested and subsequently arraigned in United States District Court in Los Angeles. They pleaded not guilty, and a trial date has been set for December 26. The defendants are being held without bond.
Involvement of Other Individuals
The indictment reveals that Navia and Ruiz conspired with Rajiv Srinivasan and Michael Ta, who were previously indicted by a federal grand jury. Srinivasan and Ta have since pleaded guilty to similar charges. Srinivasan also pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. In their plea agreements, Srinivasan and Ta admitted that their drug trafficking activities caused the deaths of three individuals. They are awaiting sentencing before United States District Judge David O. Carter.
Communication and Delivery of Controlled Substances
According to the indictment, Navia and Ruiz communicated with Srinivasan regarding drug orders through various encrypted messaging applications, including “Session” and “Signal,” as well as direct Instagram messages. Navia and Ruiz then delivered the controlled substances to Ta, who would subsequently mail them to the customers who had ordered the drugs from Srinivasan.
Payment Methods
Navia and Ruiz allegedly received payment for their roles as drug suppliers through various methods, including cryptocurrency, currency routed through cryptocurrency exchanges, and mobile payment applications such as Apple Cash, CashApp, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Extent of Operation
The indictment alleges that Srinivasan and Ta maintained a shared electronic document that recorded approximately 3,800 drug transactions to approximately 1,400 unique customers in all 50 states. The database documented sales between May 2022 and November 2022, totaling approximately 123,688 fentanyl pills, 20 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as smaller amounts of fentanyl powder, black tar heroin, and cocaine.
Legal Implications
It is important to note that an indictment contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted of the conspiracy charge alleged in the indictment, Navia and Ruiz could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. The distribution of fentanyl charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The impact of this case on drug trafficking efforts is significant, as it removes key suppliers of fentanyl and other narcotics from the illegal market.
FBI Investigation
The FBI is currently investigating this matter, with the involvement of the FBI-led Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement Team (JCODE). JCODE was established in 2018 and focuses on targeting darknet vendors involved in drug trafficking by utilizing sophisticated, high-tech techniques to identify and apprehend individuals who mistakenly believe they can engage in criminal activities on the dark web with anonymity. Since its inception, JCODE investigations have resulted in the arrest of over 300 darknet drug traffickers and the seizure of substantial amounts of narcotics, drug proceeds, and firearms.
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Prosecution of the Case
Assistant United States Attorney Gregg E. Marmaro of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section is responsible for prosecuting this case. The trial date for Navia and Ruiz has been scheduled for December 26. It is the duty of the prosecution to present evidence and arguments to prove the guilt of the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Ciaran McEvoy, Public Information Officer, at ciaran.mcevoy@usdoj.gov or (213) 894-4465. Additional press releases and related content can be found on the Central District of California US Attorney’s website.
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