Kristopher Wade Parker, Fentanyl Trafficking, New Mexico 2019

A Carlsbad, New Mexico man has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for his role in a fentanyl trafficking operation.

Kristopher Wade Parker, 36, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, was sentenced on October 14, 2019 in federal court to five-and-a-half years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which revealed that Parker possessed approximately 279 pills, or 30.911 grams, of fentanyl with the intent to distribute the drug to others in exchange for money.

Parker also admitted to possessing a .40 caliber handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

Parker pleaded guilty to the charges on October 25, 2019, as part of a plea agreement.

Upon release from prison, Parker will serve three years of supervised release.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley H. Bartlett.

The investigation and prosecution of this case highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the growing threat of fentanyl trafficking in New Mexico and across the country.

In 2019, Parker's actions put the lives of countless individuals at risk, and his sentencing serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in such activities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/carlsbad-man-sentenced-five-years-gun-and-drug-charges