U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert | U.S. Department of Justice
Horacio Torrecillas Urias Jr., a 24-year-old resident of Fresno, has been sentenced to over 23 years in prison for his involvement in distributing fentanyl and conspiracy related to methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution. The sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
The investigation, known as "Operation Killer High," was initiated following a series of overdoses linked to counterfeit oxycodone M30 tablets containing fentanyl in the Fresno area. These pills, commonly referred to as M30s on the street, were traced back to a drug-trafficking operation led by Torrecillas Urias, who called himself the “M30 king of Fresno.”
Authorities revealed that Torrecillas Urias sourced tens of thousands of counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills and large quantities of other drugs directly from Mexico. He distributed these substances both within California and beyond its borders. Law enforcement agencies conducted various operations during the investigation, resulting in the seizure of over 55,000 fentanyl pills, six pounds of fentanyl powder, ten pounds of methamphetamine, one pound of cocaine, 25 firearms, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The operation led to three federal cases with charges against 20 defendants. All but one pleaded guilty; Alma Garza was found guilty after a jury trial in September 2024 and is scheduled for sentencing on February 24, 2025.
This case was investigated by multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and local law enforcement departments such as the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is handling the prosecution.
The case falls under Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an initiative aimed at reducing synthetic opioid supply in high-impact areas while identifying major distribution networks. The Justice Department launched S.O.S. in July 2018 across several federal districts including the Eastern District of California.
Additionally, this investigation was part of efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which focuses on dismantling significant criminal organizations through a coordinated multi-agency approach.
