A Stockton resident accused of distributing fentanyl in the Reno-Sparks area was arrested after a months-long investigation in which detectives conducted multiple undercover drug purchases, authorities said.
The investigation ended with the seizure of more than a pound of fentanyl, which the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration estimates is equivalent to about 236,295 potential lethal doses.
The Regional Narcotics Unit and Northern Nevada Drug Task Force announced the arrest on Aug. 4, saying the investigation targeted fentanyl trafficking in Northern Nevada. The task force includes detectives from the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
According to Reno police, detectives conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from 49-year-old Jimmie Parker during the investigation.
Detectives found Parker on July 29 at a Reno-area hotel and casino, where he was taken into custody without incident, police said.
Reno police said Parker was in possession of approximately $20,000 in cash and 39 ecstasy pills when he was arrested.
A woman accompanying Parker, identified as 32-year-old Sabrina Lucio, was also arrested when Parker was taken into custody. Police said Lucio was found in possession of a concealed handgun and more than a gram of fentanyl.
Reno fentanyl trafficking investigation leads to major drug seizure
Following the arrests, detectives searched a vehicle associated with Parker and executed a search warrant at his residence in the area of Sinclair Street and State Street in Reno.
Police said investigators recovered 472.59 grams of fentanyl — more than a pound — along with 148 grams of methamphetamine, 536.29 grams of marijuana and 12.26 grams of cocaine.
Suspects face drug trafficking and weapons charges
Parker was booked into the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office on a California felony drug trafficking warrant and on suspicion of three counts of possession of a controlled substance, three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and three counts of trafficking a controlled substance. His bail was set at $2.05 million.
Lucio was booked into the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office on charges of possession of a controlled substance and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Her bail was set at $10,000.
What is fentanyl and why is it so dangerous?
According to the California Department of Public Health, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is often sold on its own or mixed into other drugs, including counterfeit pills, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine. When mixed into other drugs, it cannot be seen, smelled or tasted.
State health officials say fentanyl is a leading contributor to fatal overdoses in California and the United States. In 2022, fentanyl was involved in nearly 6,500 drug-related overdose deaths in the state, accounting for about 59% of all drug overdose fatalities.
Because fentanyl is highly potent, even a small amount can cause a fatal overdose. The California Department of Public Health recommends carrying naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose when administered promptly, and calling 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton man arrested in Reno fentanyl trafficking probe
Reporting by Hannah Workman, USA TODAY NETWORK / The Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Workman, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
