Distributing fentanyl through the mail sends South Texan to prison

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 37-year-old Brownsville resident has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute 1,741 grams of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani.

Heriverto Ramirez pleaded guilty July 20, 2023.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Ramirez to serve 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release.

“This case is a perfect example of how fentanyl, a potent and deadly opioid, is overtaking every aspect of the illicit drug trade,” said Hamdani. “Ramirez was caught mailing half a kilogram of fentanyl through USPS, creating a potentially deadly hazard for anyone handling the package. The investigation revealed that this dangerous distribution scheme had been ongoing for almost a year.”

Ramirez packaged 494 grams of fentanyl for distribution through the U.S. Postal Service, concealing the dangerous narcotic in the shell of a tankless hot water heater.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence of Ramirez and discovered an additional 1,247 grams of fentanyl and 8.48 kilograms of cocaine.

Ramirez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Esquivel Jr. prosecuted the case.