Hoosier State Today

Andre Lamont Wright Jr., a 29-year-old resident of Evansville, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. This follows his guilty plea to charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Court documents reveal that before December 2022, law enforcement received tips about Wright's involvement in selling large quantities of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills labeled as "M30." On December 7, 2022, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigators and the Evansville Police Department observed Wright engaging in a drug transaction outside his home. The buyer was later stopped for a traffic violation, leading to the recovery of approximately eighteen counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills.

A court-authorized search of Wright's residence uncovered around 2,000 counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl, along with a digital scale, a semiautomatic handgun, ammunition, plastic bags, and $453 in cash.

The DEA highlights the danger posed by fentanyl, noting that even two milligrams can be fatal depending on various factors such as body size and tolerance. Analysis shows that seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets contain potentially lethal doses.

"Fentanyl traffickers are responsible for incalculable damage to our families and communities," stated Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "Just one of these fake pills can kill; that's why we prioritize federal prosecution."

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Evansville Police Department. U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young imposed the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger prosecuted the case.

Authorities continue to warn against purchasing pills from non-pharmaceutical sources due to their potentially deadly nature when laced with fentanyl.