A Mexican national living in Salem, Oregon, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and other drugs. Leonel Covarrubias Hernandez, aged 48, received the sentence along with five years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that Covarrubias was identified as a narcotics distributor during an investigation. Between August and December 2022, he was involved in several controlled purchases where he sold counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.
On December 27, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Covarrubias and his associate near their home. During the search of their vehicle, officers seized counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, over $11,000 in cash, and a firearm. A subsequent search of their residence led to the discovery of more than 29 pounds of methamphetamine, 11 pounds of fentanyl, 12 pounds of cocaine and two pounds of heroin. Additionally, authorities found 24 firearms, a 3D printer, and over $43,000 in cash.
Covarrubias pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024 to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The case was investigated by the FBI and Salem Police Department and prosecuted by Bryan Chinwuba from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon.