RALEIGH, N.C. — A California man is headed to federal prison for 15 years after prosecutors say he supplied hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to a Raleigh drug trafficking ring.
Raul Ramirez, 44, who also goes by “Ralph,” pleaded guilty last year to a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.
Investigators say the operation began unraveling in 2022. Members of a Raleigh-based drug trafficking organization allegedly flew to California to buy fentanyl pills from Ramirez, then shipped them back to North Carolina.
Federal prosecutors say the group was responsible for distributing roughly 77 pounds of pressed fentanyl pills.
Investigators used controlled drug buys, search warrants, package seizures and electronic surveillance during the multi-year case.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said Ramirez continued selling pills even after authorities arrested several dealers who had thousands of pills.
The ATF, Raleigh Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.