Burleigh County (trfnews.i234.me) — A federal grand jury has indicted five individuals in connection with a multi-state drug trafficking ring accused of funneling methamphetamine and deadly fentanyl pills into communities across North Dakota, including the Bismarck-Mandan area and the Fort Berthold Reservation.
The indictment accuses Alonso Meija, Candice Valdez, Justin Morin, Allison Moran, and Vicki Sherven of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to federal prosecutors, the group coordinated drug runs between Arizona, Colorado, and North Dakota, transporting large quantities of illicit drugs with the intent to saturate local markets.
The indictment contains seven counts, including drug trafficking and firearm charges, underscoring the serious nature of the operation and the risks posed to communities affected by the spread of highly addictive and lethal substances.
Prosecutors allege the group focused their distribution efforts on methamphetamine and opioid pills containing fentanyl, a synthetic narcotic involved in a surge of overdose deaths nationwide.
The trial is set for May 6, where the defendants will face federal prosecution for their alleged roles in the distribution conspiracy and associated offenses.
This case highlights growing concerns over interstate drug trafficking routes and the devastating impact of fentanyl in rural and reservation communities throughout the Midwest.
Did you know?
Since the 2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, law enforcement has flagged increased use of face coverings and masks during criminal activity, citing concerns over evading identification and emboldening group violence.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News