Man sentenced to federal prison for distributing more than 7,000 fentanyl pills in Magic Valley

Below is a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office (Idaho).

BOISE – Brandon Aaron Dana, 36, an accomplice in a massive drug trafficking conspiracy, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing more than 7,000 fentanyl pills in the Magic Valley, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers identified Dana in the summer of 2023 during an investigation into a drug trafficking organization led by a man named Austin Lee. Around April 2023, Lee moved to Arizona but continued to operate his drug trafficking enterprise in Idaho through several accomplices, including Dana.

On June 20, 2023, Lee communicated with Dana and arranged to deliver approximately 7,000 fentanyl pills to an individual who, unbeknownst to Lee or Dana, was an undercover agent investigating their conspiracy. The transaction went as planned, and Dana drove to a gas station parking lot in Jerome, where he met up with the undercover agent.

During the drug transaction, Dana gave the undercover officer a red plastic oil container containing the fentanyl pills. Dana had cut the bottom of the container along the seam to create a small opening where he placed the drugs. The drug transaction was audio and video recorded by police. The photos below show Dana hiding the pills.

Dana is the fifth defendant to be convicted as part of this drug trafficking conspiracy. On February 20, U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford sentenced accomplice Tina Morris to 97 months in federal prison. She also sentenced accomplice Jamie Coltrin to 48 months in prison. The following day, she sentenced accomplices Jenika Johnson to 48 months in prison and Daniel Coltrin to 25 months in prison. All four sentences were to be followed by three years of supervised release. These sentences were previously announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on February 26, 2024.

Dana has a criminal history that includes at least 14 offenses, including four prior felonies involving delivery of a controlled substance, two burglaries, and one escape by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford sentenced Dana to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $900 fine. After his imprisonment, he was ordered to serve five years of supervised release.

“This case reflects our success in dismantling major drug trafficking networks in the Magic Valley,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Together with our dedicated law enforcement partners, we remain focused on this work. Drug traffickers need to know that they face serious consequences for bringing toxic drugs like fentanyl into Idaho.”

“DEA and our partners will work tirelessly to stop drug traffickers from flooding our communities with drugs and violence,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The sentences in this case underscore the serious threat fentanyl and methamphetamine traffickers pose, as well as our commitment to stopping them.”

“Law enforcement agencies across all jurisdictions are joining forces to combat the spread of illegal drugs in our communities,” said Lt. Col. Sheldon Kelley of the Idaho State Police. “Through unwavering cooperation, we will work tirelessly to dismantle the networks responsible for drug distribution throughout Idaho. By disrupting these operations, we are not only enforcing the law, we are prioritizing the safety and well-being of our citizens, keeping our streets free from the harmful influence of drugs.”

District Attorney Josh Hurwit praised the collaborative efforts of the Idaho State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mini-Cassia Drug Task Force, the Twin Falls Special Investigations Unit, the Jerome County District Attorney’s Office and the Pocatello Police Department for their work on these cases.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Booker and Frank Zebari.