Tucson’s streets have claimed another victim to the deadly grip of fentanyl. Francisco Pantoja, a 25-year-old resident of the city, has been sentenced to nine years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to distribute the potent opioid.
According to court documents, on July 1, 2020, Pantoja provided three pills to a young person, who was later found unresponsive and declared dead due to fentanyl intoxication. The Pima County Medical Examiner’s conclusion was unequivocal: the cause of death was fentanyl, a substance so potent that it can be fatal in small doses.
During the investigation, agents executed a search warrant at Pantoja’s residence, where they uncovered over 5,500 fentanyl pills and approximately $21,000 in cash. The sheer scale of the operation was a stark reminder of the devastating impact that fentanyl has had on communities across the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been sounding the alarm on the dangers of fentanyl for years. Its recent One Pill Can Kill public service campaign highlighted the alarming reality that six out of every 10 fentanyl-laced pills tested in 2022 contained a potentially lethal dose of the substance.
The investigation into Pantoja’s activities was a joint effort between the DEA and the Tucson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca Garvey and Stefani Hepford handled the prosecution in the case.
Pantoja’s sentence serves as a reminder that those involved in the distribution and sale of fentanyl will be held accountable for their actions. As the DEA continues to crack down on fentanyl trafficking, it is essential that communities come together to support those affected by this deadly epidemic.
In related news, the DEA has been working tirelessly to combat the fentanyl crisis. The agency’s efforts have resulted in the seizure of millions of fentanyl-laced pills and the arrest of numerous individuals involved in fentanyl trafficking.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Case Number: CR-20-02096-TUC-JCH (BGM)
Release Number: 2023-006_Pantoja
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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