Southern California Man Faces Charges for Selling Deadly Opioid Causing Fatal Overdose

Charged with one count of distributing protonitazene that led to a fatality is 21-year-old Benjamin Anthony Collins from Santa Clarita in northwestern Los Angeles County.

According to prosecutors, this incident is believed to be the first fatal case involving this narcotic in the country.

Collins was apprehended by federal authorities on Monday and entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment on Wednesday. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 14, and he has been ordered to remain in custody without the option to post bail.

The federal indictment alleges that Collins intentionally distributed protonitazene pills on April 19 to a 22-year-old man from Stevenson Ranch, located about 35 miles north of Los Angeles.

Prosecutors state that Collins also arranged to sell a large quantity to the victim in the future. The victim consumed the pills shortly thereafter in his car and tragically passed away. His mother discovered him deceased in the parked car outside their home and immediately contacted emergency services.

If convicted, Collins could face a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a maximum statutory sentence of life imprisonment.

Protonitazene, a synthetic opioid that has gained popularity in the U.S., Canada, and Europe in recent years, is believed to be significantly more potent than fentanyl, which is already 50 times stronger than heroin.

During nine death investigations in the U.S., blood tests confirmed the presence of the drug, with an additional six cases identified through other toxicology screenings.

The toxic properties of protonitazene have not been fully studied or reported, but its association with fatalities in drug users raises concerns among experts about its potential for widespread harm and public health risks.

Naloxone may be effective in reversing the effects of the drug, but multiple doses could be necessary, as advised by the CDC.