The self-proclaimed M30 King of Fresno pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday on drug charges related to fentanyl dealing.
Horacio Torrecillas Urias Jr., 23, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The big picture: Court documents state that law enforcement ramped up an investigation after a series of fentanyl-pill overdoses in the Fresno area.
- The overdoses were caused by counterfeit oxycodone M30 tablets that contained fentanyl. They were referred to on the street as M30s.
- M30s are small, round and light blue or green in color with “M” stamped on one side and “30” on the other.
- The investigation, which was named “Operation Killer High,” aimed to search for the drug dealers who were believed to have supplied the pills.
- The investigation uncovered a large drug-trafficking ring led by Torrecillas Urias.
Driving the news: According to the Department of Justice, Torrecillas Urias was obtaining tens of thousands of counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills and large quantities of fentanyl powder, cocaine and methamphetamine directly from sources in Mexico.
- Law enforcement agents recovered over 55,000 counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills, 6 pounds of fentanyl powder, 10 pounds of methamphetamine, one pound of cocaine, 25 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
- There are 17 other defendants who also face charges from Operation High Killer, with all but one pleading guilty.
What we’re watching: Torrecillas Urias is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 2 by U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston.
- Torrecillas Urias faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
