Horacio Torrecillas Urias Jr., a 24-year-old resident of Fresno, California, has been sentenced to 23 years and one month in prison. He was convicted for the distribution of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
The investigation into Torrecillas Urias began after a series of overdoses linked to counterfeit oxycodone M30 tablets containing fentanyl were reported in the Fresno area. These incidents prompted "Operation Killer High," an initiative aimed at identifying the suppliers responsible for these dangerous pills. Authorities discovered a significant drug-trafficking operation led by Torrecillas Urias, who referred to himself as the “M30 king of Fresno.”
According to court documents, Torrecillas Urias obtained tens of thousands of counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills directly from sources in Mexico. He also trafficked large quantities of fentanyl powder, cocaine, and methamphetamine. These drugs were distributed both within California and beyond its borders by him and his associates. Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation recovered over 55,000 fentanyl pills, six pounds of fentanyl powder, ten pounds of methamphetamine, a pound of cocaine, 25 firearms, and numerous rounds of ammunition through various operations.
"Operation Killer High" resulted in three federal cases involving 20 defendants; all but one pleaded guilty. The exception is Alma Garza, who was found guilty after a jury trial in September 2024. Her sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2025.
The case was investigated by several law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Fresno Police Department's Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team (FORT), among others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is handling the prosecution.
This case falls under Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an initiative aimed at reducing synthetic opioid supply in high-impact areas while targeting distribution networks and suppliers both domestically and internationally. The Justice Department launched S.O.S. in July 2018 across ten federal districts including the Eastern District of California.
Furthermore, this case was part of efforts by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) which focuses on dismantling major criminal organizations through a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies led by prosecutors.
For more details about OCDETF's initiatives visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.