Two Charged With Distribution Of Protonitazene, A Novel Synthetic Opioid More Potent Than Fentanyl

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging MIGUEL DE JESUS REYES MEDINA a/k/a “Azua,” and ERIK ALBERTO LOPEZ VALDEZ with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of protonitazene, a novel synthetic opioid that is up to three times more potent than fentanyl.  REYES MEDINA and LOPEZ VALDEZ were arrested today.  LOPEZ VALDEZ will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger, and REYES MEDINA will be presented before Judge Lehrburger tomorrow, July 19, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Miguel de Jesus Reyes Medina and Erik Alberto Lopez Valdez engaged in a scheme to sell dangerous narcotics to New Yorkers, including a novel, and potentially lethal, synthetic opioid.  As part of that scheme, the defendants sold protonitazene, which, as alleged, is as much as three times more deadly than fentanyl.  This prosecution underscores my Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from the deadly opioid crisis, including from emergent synthetic opioids that pose even greater threats than fentanyl.  We will not allow drug dealers to hide behind novel changes to the chemical structure of drugs to avoid prosecution.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said: “Today’s arrests show the commitment the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in targeting those poisoning our communities.  As alleged, these individuals are not only responsible for the distribution of the lethal drug fentanyl, but the distribution of protonitazene, a novel synthetic opioid that is up to three times more potent than fentanyl.  It is safe to say that the removal of these individuals, and the distribution of these illicit drugs from our streets, saved another family from having to bury their loved one.  The DEA and members of our NYDETF remain committed to doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”

As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

In or about April 2024, REYES MEDINA agreed to sell fentanyl to a confidential source (the “Source”) working with law enforcement.  REYES MEDINA negotiated the price and quantity of fentanyl to be provided, requesting $2,000 for 74 grams of fentanyl.  On or about April 10, 2024, REYES MEDINA met with the Source and provided a 74-gram package of narcotics.  During the meeting, REYES MEDINA emphasized that the narcotics were high quality and strong.  Then, on or about April 16, 2024, REYES MEDINA arranged to have LOPEZ VALDEZ deliver a further 420-gram package of narcotics to the Source for the price of $12,250, which LOPEZ VALDEZ did.  Following the arrest of REYES MEDINA and LOPEZ VALDEZ, laboratory testing determined that the packages of narcotics provided to the Source by REYES MEDINA and LOPEZ VALDEZ consisted of nearly 500 grams of protonitazene, a synthetic opioid that is up to three times more potent than fentanyl.

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REYES MEDINA, 49, of Yonkers, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and two counts of distribution of protonitazene, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

LOPEZ VALDEZ, 38, of Camden, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and one count of distribution of protonitazene, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, and the New York State Police in connection with this investigation.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Kinder is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.