Orange County, California – Two men, Michael Ta and Rajiv Srinivasan, have been sentenced to federal prison after selling fentanyl-laced pills on the dark web, leading to fatal overdoses across the United States. Ta, 25, from Westminster, and Srinivasan, 37, from Houston, were involved in over 3,800 online drug deals from February 2022 to November 2022, reaching 1,400 customers nationwide.
Srinivasan, using the account “redlightlabs” on the dark web, advertised counterfeit M30 oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and other substances. The operation, which involved encrypted messages and payments in virtual currencies, distributed more than 123,000 fake pills, over 20 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 300 grams of fentanyl powder, heroin, and cocaine.
In November 2022, Ta and Srinivasan were arrested, with Srinivasan extradited to California to face charges. Srinivasan pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distributing fentanyl causing death, resulting in a sentence of 19 years and seven months, while Ta, who also pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 21 years and eight months.
The duo were connected to five fatal overdoses, three of which they accepted responsibility for. Victims ranged from 19 to 51 years old and were located in California, Florida, Colorado, and Arkansas. Prosecutors expressed the profound impact on victims’ families and communities by the defendants’ actions, referring to the pervasive addiction crisis in the country.
Another individual, Omar Navia from Los Angeles, admitted to supplying fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine to Ta and Srinivasan’s customers. Navia faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a possibility of life imprisonment. His co-conspirator, Adan Ruiz of Garden Grove, pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Both Navia and Ruiz are currently in federal custody, reflecting the lasting consequences of illicit drug distribution on individuals and communities. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by counterfeit medications and the importance of combating the illegal drug trade to prevent further tragedies.