Erik David Morgan from Alpine has been sentenced in a federal court to six years in prison for fentanyl trafficking. He was charged for possessing over 10 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, uncovered during a setup involving an undercover agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to court documents, Morgan arranged a sale of 3.5 grams of fentanyl for $150 through social media to an undercover agent. The transaction, planned for March 14, 2024, was intercepted by El Cajon police who found Morgan in possession of 10.05 grams of the drug.
The investigation was managed by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations’ Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST). The team, comprised of local, state, and federal agencies, has been operational since August 2022. It aims to dismantle organizations involved in smuggling and distributing fentanyl in San Diego County to address increasing overdose rates.
An alarming report by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) last fall highlighted the danger, with findings that half of tested fentanyl pills contain potentially lethal doses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron McElhose is prosecuting Morgan's case as part of Operation Take Back America. This nationwide initiative utilizes resources to combat illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations threatening community safety.
Morgan faces charges under Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1), which carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine.
The agencies involved in the case include Homeland Security Investigations and the El Cajon Police Department.