United States Attorney Clare E Connors | U.S. Department of Justice
Jose Elias Camacho, a 34-year-old resident of Maui, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills that led to an overdose death. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway following Camacho's guilty plea in June 2024 to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
In August 2020, Camacho sold five counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to a 24-year-old man who overdosed after ingesting them. Although first responders revived the victim and took him to the hospital, he later discharged himself and contacted Camacho again for more pills. Despite knowing about the victim's recent hospitalization, Camacho sold him another batch of five pills. The next morning, the victim was found dead at his home from a polydrug overdose. A medical toxicologist concluded that the fatality would not have occurred without the fentanyl distributed by Camacho.
Camacho continued distributing these dangerous pills even after learning about the victim’s death. On October 2, 2020, Maui Police Department officers arrested him during an undercover operation intended to purchase approximately 50 pills from him. A search revealed around 400 light blue pills marked “M 30,” resembling prescription oxycodone but containing fentanyl.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) identifies fentanyl manufactured by Mexican drug cartels as a primary factor in the ongoing epidemic of drug poisoning deaths across the United States. In its 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment, it highlights that fake oxycodone pills pose significant risks due to their potential lethal doses of fentanyl and users' lack of awareness regarding their true contents.
“Camacho knew the deadly risk of selling illegal narcotics," stated United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. "Even after learning of the victim’s death, Camacho continued to sell a large quantity of the lethal pills." She emphasized that this sentencing underscores severe consequences for those contributing to overdose deaths within communities.
The investigation involved collaboration between the DEA and Maui Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Michael Albanese.
