A Chinese national and a Las Vegas resident have been charged by federal indictment for allegedly importing large quantities of the synthetic opioid protonitazene into the United States and distributing it as counterfeit pills, according to a May 11 announcement from federal authorities. The investigation involved cooperation between the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and China's Ministry of Public Security.
The case is significant due to the potency of protonitazene, which is reportedly much stronger than fentanyl and can be used to produce hundreds of thousands of potentially lethal pills from just 200 grams. Authorities say that disrupting these operations is critical for public safety.
"This case shows why President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Force matters," said Jason A. Reding Quiñones, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. "The indictment alleges that a China-based supplier and a domestic distributor worked together to bring a deadly synthetic opioid into the United States and turn it into counterfeit pills for distribution across the country. These pills are made to look familiar, but one pill can kill. If you use South Florida as a gateway to import synthetic opioids, make counterfeit pills, or profit from addiction, you will face federal prosecution. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty." Special Agent in Charge David L. King of DEA Asia Pacific Division said: "The bilateral investigation with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security underscores DEA Asia Pacific Division’s unwavering commitment to the protection of American lives: disrupting criminal organizations responsible for distributing dangerous synthetic opioids across the United States is one of DEA’s main priorities." Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo of USPIS Miami Division added: "These charges serve as a warning to others that, using the US Mail to distribute dangerous drugs has consequences."
According to court records cited by authorities, Jia Guo allegedly coordinated shipments from China while Seven Schmidt arranged distribution within Nevada using pill presses in Miami-Dade County before sending packages through postal services nationwide.
China's Ministry of Public Security arrested Guo in April 2026 after seizing ten parcels containing controlled substances destined for recipients in America as part of this joint operation.
Both defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment on each count if convicted.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida prosecutes federal crimes and manages civil cases for the government; it operates multiple offices across approximately 15,197 square miles serving more than seven million people according to its official website.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
