An Orlando man who attempted to sell thousands of fentanyl pills to a confidential informant has pleaded guilty to fentanyl distribution and possession charges.
On Tuesday, July 30, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that 33-year-old Luis Miguel Plaza has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession fentanyl with an intent to distribute it.
According to court records, the Drug Enforcement Administration used an undercover agent and several confidential informants to purchase fentanyl from Plaza.
During two controlled purchases that were conducted in August 2023 and January 2024, Plaza sold more than 1,100 pills to the undercover agent and a confidential informant. The pills weighed approximately 115 grams, and they contained fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, which is an analogue of fentanyl.
In February 2024, a confidential informant made arrangements with Plaza to purchase additional fentanyl. Instead of meeting the informant, Plaza was met by law enforcement officers and placed under arrest.
At the time of his arrest, Plaza was in possession of more than 7,000 pills weighing around 750 grams, which contained fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl. He had intended on selling these pills to the confidential informant.
Plaza faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu.