PORTLAND, Ore. — The grim shadow of death looms large over Hugo Gomez-Soto, a 50-year-old Honduran national accused of distributing fentanyl linked to the tragic overdose of a Portland man. Gomez-Soto made his initial appearance in federal court today, charged with distributing the deadly substance.
Portland Police Bureau’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit launched their investigation into a suspected fentanyl overdose in January 2024. Gomez-Soto was identified as the alleged seller and arrested on state charges on January 25, 2024. At his arrest, he was found with fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
The federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Gomez-Soto on June 18, 2025, charging him with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The trial is set to begin on September 9, 2025, with Gomez-Soto facing life imprisonment if convicted.
Homeland Security Investigations and the PPB’s NOC Unit are behind the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott M. Kerin prosecutes the case. As always in federal court, Gomez-Soto is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fentanyl, an opioid 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin, has been flooding Oregon, fueling a skyrocketing rate of overdose deaths. The public is reminded to call 911 in immediate danger or seek help from the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and safeguarding communities against violent crime.
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Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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