Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
Adolfo Montiel, aged 46 from Lancaster, has received a 16-year and four-month prison sentence for his involvement in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston announced the sentencing, as publicized by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Montiel's case was part of Operation Toxic Waste, an operation targeting a sophisticated drug trafficking network. The investigation led to the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics, including more than 12,900 pounds of methamphetamine, in addition to 50 pounds of fentanyl mixture, 39 pounds of cocaine, and 22 pounds of heroin. According to records, the organization employed various methods to smuggle these drugs, such as hiding them in portable projectors, batteries, and semi-trucks. Furthermore, some narcotics were clandestinely transported across the border using cars with altered gas tanks. The smugglers ensured tracking by placing GPS devices with the drugs.
Montiel's role in the organization included storing, packaging, and redistributing drugs. Law enforcement discovered his large cache—over 10 pounds of fentanyl pills, over 60 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as several firearms—during a 2023 search of his residence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation played a key role in the operation. Prosecuting the case are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Cody S. Chapple.
This case links to the broader Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an initiative to reduce lethal synthetic opioid supplies in high-risk regions and identify distribution networks and suppliers. Launched by the Justice Department in July 2018, the S.O.S. spans the Eastern District of California and nine other districts nationwide.
The case falls under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. This program aims to identify and dismantle high-level criminal organizations that threaten U.S. security by utilizing a strategic, intelligence-led, multi-agency approach.
Further information on the OCDETF efforts can be found at Justice.gov/OCDETF.
