What started as a Butler County narcotics investigation has ended with a Cincinnati man in handcuffs, roughly 150 grams of suspected fentanyl off the street, and detectives talking about possible cartel-level ties.
Antonio Green, 37, was arrested this week and now faces multiple felony charges, including trafficking and possession of fentanyl, according to investigators. Authorities estimate the amount seized could be broken down into tens of thousands of potentially lethal doses.
Green was taken into custody after an investigation by the Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics Task Force (B.U.R.N.), WKRC reports. Detectives say they recovered about 150 grams of fentanyl, a loaded firearm, a hydraulic kilogram press, digital scales, blenders, packaging materials, and other equipment commonly seen in large-scale drug trafficking operations.
The bust lands in the middle of Ohio's ongoing fentanyl crisis. State data show 2,289 opioid overdose deaths in 2024, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl continuing to drive the majority of fatalities, according to KFF. Federal prosecutors have also been turning up the heat on cartel-linked supply chains in multi-state operations, including cases tied to the Sinaloa Cartel, per the U.S. Department of Justice.
Locally, authorities allege Green was part of a trafficking network connected to the Sinaloa Cartel, WKRC reports. Detectives say the investigation is still active, which suggests more arrests or charges could follow.
What the charges mean
Under Ohio law, penalties for trafficking fentanyl are tied directly to weight. Trafficking 50 grams or more of a fentanyl-related compound is a first-degree felony that can carry mandatory prison time, while smaller amounts trigger lower-level felonies, according to the Ohio Revised Code. The roughly 150-gram haul reported in this case would put it well over the 50-gram threshold that elevates the offense under state statute.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to submit tips through the Butler County Sheriff's Office online tip portal or by texting "COPS" to 274637. This story will be updated as prosecutors formally file charges and additional details are released.
