Victor Anthony Nottoli, Synthetic Drug Trafficking, California 2014

FRESNO, Calif. — Victor Anthony Nottoli, a Hillsborough resident, has been linked to a massive synthetic drug trafficking organization in California. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has distributed $1,813,575 of forfeited drug proceeds seized in connection with the investigation to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

Between April 1, 2011, and June 26, 2013, Nottoli and his co-conspirators generated at least $33 million by manufacturing and distributing smokable synthetic cannabinoids (SSC) to distributors and retail outlets throughout the U.S. and from his six smoke shops in Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield.

Victor Nottoli, 51, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by interfering with the lawful governmental regulatory and enforcement functions of the FDA and DEA, and causing at least 24 tons of misbranded SSC to be introduced into interstate commerce.

The misbranded drugs were intended for human consumption and were fraudulently packaged as herbal incense or potpourri. They were sold without the labeling necessary to protect the user and required by law, including the place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, an accurate statement of the contents, adequate directions for use, warnings against use by children or where its use may be dangerous to health, warning against unsafe dosage, or methods or duration of administration or application.

Nottoli specifically agreed to forfeit more than $6.5 million of drug proceeds, including $6,488,000 in cash and $191,000 in other assets, such as a 2013 Ford F350 pickup truck and a 2014 Airstream travel trailer.

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert stated, “The Asset Forfeiture Program literally takes the profits out of crime and distributes them fairly, effectively, and with tremendous benefit to the American people.”

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims added, “This case is a great example of the results that can be achieved when local and Federal law enforcement agencies partner to impact organized crime. The proceeds will be used in accordance with equitable sharing guidelines to combat illegal drug activity in our region.”

Nottoli’s sentencing is scheduled for March 26, 2018.

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