Alexandria man receives ten-year prison sentence for selling fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills
Alexandria, Virginia – An Alexandria resident was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia and DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget.
The Distribution of Dangerous Counterfeit Pills
Court documents reveal that from February to April 2024, 30-year-old Alhagi Gassim Conteh orchestrated a dangerous drug distribution operation, acquiring and selling nearly 4,000 counterfeit pills. These pills, stamped with the “M30” imprint to mimic real oxycodone, contained the lethal synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Conteh sourced the fentanyl pills from a supplier in Fredericksburg. He reportedly told a confidential source (CS) that his Fredericksburg contact received shipments of up to 30,000 fentanyl-laced pills at a time. Conteh then sold these pills to the CS and other buyers, fueling a dangerous trade that posed a significant risk to the community.
Search Warrant Uncovers Drugs and Ammunition
On April 12, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Conteh’s Alexandria residence. The search uncovered approximately 500 fentanyl pills, cocaine, a handheld pill press, a digital scale, and two magazines containing 36 rounds of ammunition.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
Conteh’s sentencing was carried out by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema, who imposed a 10-year prison term for the felon. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, emphasized the importance of addressing fentanyl distribution to safeguard public health and safety.
“This case highlights the danger posed by counterfeit drugs in our community and the ongoing efforts to hold traffickers accountable,” Aber said.
The investigation and prosecution were bolstered by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, which collaborated with the DEA’s Washington Division.
Continued Vigilance Against Fentanyl Trafficking
Fentanyl has been a driving force behind the opioid epidemic, and counterfeit pills containing the substance have become increasingly common. Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant, recognizing the severe risks associated with fentanyl use and counterfeit drugs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin S. Starr led the prosecution of the case, reinforcing the Justice Department’s commitment to combating the spread of fentanyl and holding offenders accountable for endangering lives.
This case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by counterfeit drugs and the importance of law enforcement partnerships in disrupting illegal drug operations.
