California Drug Dealer Sentenced to 31 Years in Federal Prison

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Fortunato Beltran, 45, to 31 years in federal prison for conspiracy to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl and selling methamphetamine and fentanyl. On November 21, 2025, a federal jury convicted Inmate Beltran of the charges.

“Fentanyl kills everyone, especially our kids. This California thug brought his Mexican poison here to kill children in our communities. We sent a strong message: Learn the lesson: don’t sell drugs, go to prison for decades if you do: do better.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

In early 2024, ATF and DEA began investigating a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization shipping tens pounds and hundreds pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine to Eastern North Carolina. Inmate Beltran orchestrated bulk shipments of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California and Mexico into Eastern North Carolina for distribution. Agents with the ATF and DEA purchased over $100,000 of drugs from Inmate Beltran’s organization, totaling 35 pounds of methamphetamine and almost seven pounds of fentanyl.

“Drug trafficking creates a cycle of violence in our communities that too often includes illegal firearm use and possession,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Coordinated efforts among our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners help break up these drug trafficking networks, stop violent gun crimes, and make our neighborhoods safer.”

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. ATF and DEA investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley J. Avera and Special Assistant United States Attorney Alison N. Lester prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-71-M-4.