California

SoCal Man Charged With Selling an Opioid Stronger Than Fentanyl, Leading to One Death

Experts believe protonitazene, which comes in powder or pills, is several times more powerful than fentanyl.
SoCal Man Charged With Selling an Opioid Stronger Than Fentanyl, Leading to One Death
Some of the 30,000 fentanyl pills the Drug Enforcement Administration seized in August 2017 in one of its bigger busts, in Tempe, Ariz. DEA via AP
Jill McLaughlin
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A Southern California man has been charged with selling a synthetic opioid that is three times more powerful than fentanyl and killed a 22-year-old buyer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles announced Nov. 21.

Benjamin Anthony Collins, 21, of Santa Clarita in northwestern Los Angeles County, was charged with one count of distribution of protonitazene, resulting in death.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.