A Reno man was sentenced to 34 months in prison after pleading guilty to selling hundreds of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Octavio Mendoza Jr. (24) sold counterfeit oxycodone pills stamped with ‘M30’ containing fentanyl from June 12 to September 2, 2020. On September 6, law enforcement arrested Mendoza after observing him using drugs in a vehicle in downtown Reno. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found approximately 374 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.
Mendoza pleaded guilty in November 2021 to seven counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben sentenced Mendoza to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Highway Patrol, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Gaming Control Board, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.
The investigation uncovered a significant threat to public health as the counterfeit pills, laced with fentanyl, were being sold to unsuspecting individuals in the Reno area. The consequences of Mendoza’s actions could have been devastating, and it is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies that he was brought to justice.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle to combat the opioid epidemic in Nevada and the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies to disrupt the flow of illicit substances into our communities.
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Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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