11 Idahoans Sentenced for Roles in Fentanyl Trafficking from Mexico

In a huge win for justice and safety in Idaho, 11 people have been sentenced to time in prison and probation for various federal drug violations.

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Authorities began investigating suspects in early 2023 based on tips that large amounts of fentanyl were being distributed in Southern Idaho.

The investigation began with 29-year-old Austin Chad Lee, followed by other co-conspirators in Idaho. The investigation expanded to Mexico-based conspirators in July of 2023.

11 Idahoans Sentenced for Roles in Fentanyl Trafficking from Mexico

The report from the DOJ claims:

The investigation revealed that recent parolees were recruited into the conspiracy prior to their release from prison. These conspirators helped traffic fentanyl from the United States/Mexico border to distribute in Idaho. Additional conspirators accepted payment for the drugs.

The investigation included the efforts of 10 law enforcement agencies.

48,000 Fentanyl Pills and 4 Pounds of Meth Seized in Idaho

As part of the investigation, authorities were able to seize 48,000 fentanyl pills and 4 pounds of meth that would have ended up on the streets of Idaho.

These 11 Idahoans Will Serve Jail and Probation Time for Trafficking Fentanyl

The crimes, prison sentences, and probation durations vary between the drug traffickers and co-conspirators:

• Austin Chad Lee, 29, of Twin Falls, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl
• Arafat Ramirez, 43, of Jerome, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl
• Brandon Aaron Dana, 37, of Leadore, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl
• Tina Jane Morris, 46, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine
• Sammy Davey Martinez, 49, of Nampa, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl
• Jamie Lee Coltrin, 36, of Rupert, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl
• Jenika Ann Johnson, 31, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl
• Daniel Ross Coltrin, 40, of Paul, was sentenced to 25 months in prison for attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
• Rosa Ramirez, of Jerome, 64, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl
• Rachel Dixon, 36, of Boise, was sentenced to 3 years’ probation for the distribution of fentanyl
• Laila Vanessa Ramirez-Martinez, 35, of Jerome, was sentenced to two years’ probation for a false statement

Full details on the crimes and investigation can be found on the DOJ website.

Just under a month ago, the DOJ also announced the sentencing of a Pocatello man for trafficking meth. Steven Greenleaf Blodgett will serve 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of probation.