Manassas man sentenced to 15 years for trafficking tens of thousands of fentanyl pills and possessing firearms
Manassas, Virginia – A 21-year-old man, Jeffrey Martinez of Manassas, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The sentence was handed down following a significant investigation that uncovered large amounts of narcotics and firearms linked to Martinez’s drug operation.
Deadly Counterfeit Pills and Firearms Found
According to court documents, law enforcement searched Martinez’s residence on January 30, 2024, and made a shocking discovery: nearly 50,000 fentanyl pills designed to resemble prescription Oxycodone. Specifically, agents found 29,490 dark-blue pills weighing about 4.13 kilograms and 20,114 light-blue pills weighing approximately 2.22 kilograms, all imprinted with “M-30,” a marking used to mimic real Oxycodone tablets. Authorities also found $4,980 in cash, 2.18 kilograms of marijuana, 107 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, and four firearms inside the residence.
That same day, Martinez was arrested during a traffic stop. Officers seized an additional 1,200 fentanyl pills, $1,600 in cash, and a handgun from the vehicle he was in.
U.S. Attorney Condemns Crime’s Community Impact
“By trafficking tens of thousands of deadly fentanyl pills into Northern Virginia communities while unlawfully possessing firearms, Jeffrey Martinez put our citizens at grave risk,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This substantial sentence underscores the seriousness of such crimes and the consequences of endangering our community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicating the threat posed by armed drug traffickers.”
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid many times more potent than heroin, has been a leading cause of overdose deaths across the country. Pills marked “M-30” are commonly used by traffickers to trick users into thinking they are receiving real prescription medication, often with deadly results.
Martinez’s 15-year sentence serves as a stark warning to those involved in the illegal fentanyl trade, particularly when firearms are involved. Law enforcement agencies continue to focus efforts on identifying and prosecuting individuals who push deadly drugs into communities, especially those who operate with the added threat of weapons.
