TOLEDO, Ohio - A Toledo man is facing federal drug charges after law enforcement officials seized nearly 22 pounds of what is believed to be fentanyl.
Robert Escobar, 49, is facing one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
“This is believed to be the largest seizure of fentanyl in the Toledo area,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This defendant is accused of branding deadly narcotics with names like ‘XXX’ and ‘Maserati.’ The idea that more than 20 pounds of this deadly substance was being sold in a residential neighborhood is both infuriating and terrifying. I applaud the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Perrysburg Township Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Wauseon Police Department, Sylvania Police Department, BCI, Sandusky Police, CBP and Toledo Police Department for this action – they have undoubtedly saved many lives today.”
“Our communities have been plagued by fentanyl-related overdose deaths for far too long and bringing charges against a major distributor like this will save lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “We will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners to get drug dealers out of our communities and brought to justice.”
Escobar was arrested after undercover agents made numerous purchases from him over a six-month period. The drugs the agents bought were tested and found to be mixtures of heroin and/or fentanyl.