Sven Artez Alston, Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, West Virginia 2018

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A Baltimore duo is facing up to 20 years in prison for their role in distributing fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that can be deadly in small amounts.

Sven Artez Alston, 30, and James Lamont Brinkley, 32, were arrested in November 2018 at a motel in Spring Mills, West Virginia, where authorities found 30 grams of fentanyl, 39 grams of the synthetic opiate U47700, and a cutting agent. The amount of fentanyl seized was enough to kill over 10,000 people.

According to U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, the two men have admitted to aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI, West Virginia State Police, and other local agencies, as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) initiative. The task force aims to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in 'hot spot' areas and identify wholesale distribution networks.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy D. Helman and Lara Omps-Botteicher, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF), which provides critical federal funding and coordination to help state and federal agencies work together to identify and prosecute major drug trafficking organizations.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided over the case. The two men are currently awaiting sentencing.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/maryland-men-admit-fentanyl-distribution