LAS VEGAS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Nevada), published as received.

LAS VEGAS – A Dallas, Texas, woman was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 36 months in prison for bringing more than 12,000 fentanyl pills into the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and attempting to transport the drugs on an airplane to Texas. The government recommended a sentence of 57 months in prison. 

“Pumping thousands of lethal doses into our streets isn't just low-level drug dealing—it's a calculation of death for profit,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “A cache of 12,000 fentanyl pills represents thousands of potential overdoses waiting to happen. This sentence serves as a direct warning to anyone pushing this poison through Nevada's communities: federal law enforcement will hunt you down, and you will spend the next chapter of your life behind federal bars."

"Trafficking 12,000 fentanyl pills is not just a serious federal crime—it is an act that puts entire communities at risk and trades human lives for profit," said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. "The FBI remains relentless in our mission to keep illegal narcotics off Nevada’s streets. We will continue to identify, track, and dismantle those who traffic this lethal drug and ensure they are brought to justice. Know this: If you choose to endanger our communities, justice will find you."

According to court documents, Aundrea Cymone Hamilton conspired with others to distribute one kilogram or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. On March 18, 2023, Hamilton arrived at the Las Vegas airport with a carryon luggage containing 1321.5 grams of fentanyl she attempted to transport to Texas. During a screening of Hamilton’s carryon luggage, the Transportation Security Administration noticed abnormalities and pulled the carryon luggage for secondary screening. Once Hamilton saw the luggage had been pulled, she left the security checkpoint, exited the airport, and fled to Texas by bus. In January 2025, Hamilton was arrested in Texas. 

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Melinda Brewer prosecuted the case.

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