United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LOS ANGELES - The leader of a narcotics-distribution ring pled guilty this morning to federal drug trafficking charges and admitted importing a powerful synthetic opioid from China that was used to produce homemade pills that were distributed in bulk across the nation.
           
Gary Resnik, 32, of Long Beach, led a conspiracy that imported acetyl-fentanyl, a powerful and highly addictive opioid very similar to fentanyl. Acetyl-fentanyl, which is many times more potent than heroin, is not approved for any use in the United States.
           
During the course of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, authorities seized over 9 kilograms of acetyl-fentanyl as well as Xanax and ecstasy pills from the drug trafficking organization led by Resnik. The organization obtained pill presses from China that were used illegally to make tablets in underground labs located in Long Beach and Baldwin Park.

Resnik pleaded guilty to two felony offenses - conspiracy to manufacture and distribute (including acetyl-fentanyl and ecstasy), and possession with the intent to distribute acetyl-fentanyl.  Resnik admitted importing from China bulk chemicals that were used to manufacture acetyl-fentanyl.

Resnik is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge S. James Otero on February 26. At the time of sentencing, Resnik will face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each of the two counts.
           
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael G. Freedman and David Ryan of the General Crimes Section.