U.S. Attorney Damian Williams | U.S. Department of Justice
Edward Y. Kim, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, along with Anne Milgram, Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced the indictment of Xiang Gao, Oleksandr Klochkhov, and Igors Kricfalusijs. The charges include conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in the United States and importation of precursor chemicals with intent to manufacture these drugs domestically.
The accused were apprehended in Morocco on April 17, 2024, by local authorities and extradited to the U.S. on December 11, 2024. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky in New York on December 12.
Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim emphasized the severe impact of fentanyl: “Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues continue to wreak catastrophic damage on the lives of New Yorkers." He reiterated the commitment to combat international drug trafficking that threatens U.S. borders.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated: “Those responsible for flooding our country with fentanyl must answer for their crimes." Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco added: “Today’s actions reflect our commitment to holding accountable those who peddle the poison responsible for fentanyl deaths in our communities."
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram highlighted the DEA's efforts against global supply chains: “Today’s announcement of charges against three high-level fentanyl chemical brokers highlights DEA’s commitment to attack every part of the global fentanyl supply chain."
The indictment describes how Gao, Klochkhov, and Kricfalusijs allegedly conspired to distribute significant quantities of precursor chemicals from China for manufacturing deadly drugs in New York and elsewhere.
Gao, a Chinese national; Klochkhov, a Ukrainian national; and Kricfalusijs, a Latvian national are facing several charges including conspiracy to distribute narcotics and import precursor chemicals. The potential sentences range from ten years to life imprisonment.
Mr. Kim acknowledged contributions from various international agencies including Moroccan and Spanish authorities in this investigation led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda C. Weingarten.
The charges remain allegations until proven otherwise as per legal proceedings.
