Two Las Vegas men have been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges after authorities uncovered a six-month operation that funneled fentanyl from the West Coast to Alaska.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska, 37-year-olds Helmut Mey and Jonhatan Lau-Osuna conspired to distribute and possess fentanyl with intent to distribute from approximately September through March. The pair allegedly moved the narcotics from California and Nevada to Alaska, where the drugs were intended for further distribution.
Christian Rodgers, 33, of Kenai, Alaska, is also accused of aiding Mey and Lau-Osuna in the trafficking operation.
Mey and Lau-Osuna each face one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Mey faces an additional charge of attempted possession with intent to distribute.
If convicted, all three men face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.
Federal and state agencies collaborated on the investigation, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Alaska State Troopers, and multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The agencies worked to intercept narcotics sent through the U.S. mail before they reached Alaska communities.
“This case reflects the tireless efforts of law enforcement to disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics into Alaska through the mail,” a public affairs officer in Alaska stated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is leading the prosecution, with support from the Central District of California and the District of Nevada.
