HOUSTON — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Texas, Southern), published as received.

HOUSTON – A 25-year local resident has entered a guilty plea to distribution of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl that lead to the deaths of two people, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

Antonio Curo admitted he distributed the drug through the U.S. mail to individuals across the country.

Specifically, Curo distributed fentanyl to a 16-year-old female in Houston who died after consuming pills that contained fentanyl. He had directly provided the counterfeit pills to the minor victim. The victim’s father found her in her room deceased with an imprinted “M-30” pill in a small, orange plastic bag next to her body. Laboratory testing confirmed the pill contained fentanyl.

Curo also acknowledged he was responsible for the death of a 24-year-old man in Connecticut. The victim ordered pills via social media and instant messaging service, and Curo sent them through the mail. The victim’s girlfriend saw him receive the package and ingest the pills before he died.

Curo admitted he was aware of the deaths and knew he was selling fentanyl.

“Curo knowingly distributed counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, showing a complete disregard for the law and human life,” said Ganjei. “The facts are incredibly clear: one pill can kill. Now, two more young lives have been lost to this scourge, and two families will endure a lifetime of grief all because a criminal placed money before morality. My office will always protect the families within the Southern District of Texas by aggressively prosecuting those who seek to poison our community.”

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett accepted the plea and set sentencing for April 30, at which time Curo faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of partner agencies in Vermont and Iowa, USPIS – Office of Inspector General, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, Houston Police Department and Harris County Sherriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal J. Alaniz and Casey N. MacDonald are prosecuting the case.