Westminster, California – Two men, one from Orange County and the other from Houston, Texas, have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in selling fentanyl-laced pills on the dark web that led to fatal overdoses across the United States.
Michael Ta, 25, from Westminster, and Rajiv Srinivasan, 37, from Houston, received substantial prison sentences on Monday for their roles in a sophisticated drug operation that spanned from February 2022 to November 2022. The duo conducted over 3,800 online drug deals, distributing illegal narcotics to approximately 1,400 individuals in all 50 states, according to the United States Department of Justice.
Srinivasan managed an account named “redlightlabs” on multiple dark web marketplaces, where they advertised and sold counterfeit M30 oxycodone pills blended with dangerous substances like fentanyl. The pair used encrypted messaging apps to communicate with buyers and handled transactions using virtual currencies, rerouting payments through cryptocurrency exchanges.
Authorities revealed that Ta and Srinivasan’s operation shipped more than 123,000 fake pills tainted with fentanyl, over 20 pounds of methamphetamine, almost 300 grams of “China White” (fentanyl powder and black tar heroin), and 27 grams of cocaine. The pair was arrested in November 2022, with Srinivasan later extradited to California to face charges.
In a court hearing last June, Srinivasan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distributing fentanyl that resulted in deaths. Ta followed suit two months later, pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute. On Monday, the two men received their sentences – Srinivasan getting 19 years and seven months, and Ta receiving 21 years and 8 months.
Their activities were linked to at least five fatal overdoses, three of which they owned up to as part of their plea agreements. Victims ranged from 19 to 51 years old and resided in various states such as California, Florida, Colorado, and Arkansas, leaving behind devastated families.
In a related development, Omar Navia, 39, from Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, admitting to supplying fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine. Meanwhile, Adan Ruiz, 27, from Garden Grove, who stood accused of distributing fentanyl, pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Navia faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, with scheduled sentencing for August 19. Both Navia and Ruiz are currently being held in federal custody as legal proceedings unfold.