HOUSTON — Officials working with the Department of Justice announced “one of the largest” seizures of fentanyl precursors in the region on Monday.
U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani, alongside DEA Special Agent in Charge Chris Comeaux and HSI Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, announced the indictment of a Chinese national after a year-long investigation.
According to Handani, 2.2 tons of fentanyl pre-cursors were seized as part of the investigation.
“This seizure prevented the manufacturing of millions upon millions of deadly doses of fentanyl pills,” Hamdani said in a news conference.
Minsu Fang was charged in Webb County within the Southern District of Texas with four counts including conspiracy to manufacture fentanyl. Fang was arrested in New York in June 2024. Hamdani said Fang could face life in prison if convicted.
According to a criminal complaint, the DEA and HSI began their investigation into Fang and learned he was responsible for coordinating and distributing multi-ton quantities of fentanyl precursors throughout the US with a final destination to Mexico.
The complaint alleges contents of packages from China were incorrectly labeled to conceal the actual contents. The chemicals from China would be sent in boxes to cities across the country including Los Angeles, New York and Laredo with a final destination of Mexico, where the counterfeit pills would be made.
Hamdani said sometimes, the pills can end up in the hands of children. According to the state of Texas, fentanyl has led to a rise in accidental overdose deaths.
“What you’ve got are children who think they’re taking percocet, or oxycontin, who have no idea those pills are laced with fentanyl…what happens often is those kids don’t wake up the next day,” Hamdani said.
The criminal complaint accuses Fang of being involved since at least August of 2023.
“Anyone out there, any criminal organization: if you’re selling and its coming to these United States of America, we will find you,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux said.
Comeaux said it's important to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit fake pills.