A New Mexico man, Edgar Omar Martinez, is facing over two decades behind bars for his role in fentanyl trafficking, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Martinez, 43, from Anthony, was handed down a sentence of 262 months in prison by a federal court in El Paso on Wednesday, signaling a strong stance against the opioid epidemic that's been sweeping the nation.
Martinez was arrested on March 14 when FBI agents found roughly 17,000 fentanyl pills in his vehicle. He had previously received the pills from a co-conspirator, both participating in a calculated drug operation that has now been brought to light, with Martinez expecting $3,200 for his involvement. Following his indictment on April 9 for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and the same count of conspiracy, he later entered a guilty plea to both charges on August 26. The FBI led the investigation that eventually brought Martinez to justice, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The case was presided over by U.S. District Judge Leon Schydlower, and the announcement of the sentencing came from U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. Martinez's conviction adds a significant chapter to the ongoing narrative of the nation's battle with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has been responsible for a sharp increase in overdose deaths.
