BOISE, ID – Eleven individuals have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy that moved drugs from the Mexico border into southern Idaho. The investigation, led by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), resulted in the seizure of more than 48,000 fentanyl pills and four pounds of methamphetamine.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, the investigation began in early 2023 when Idaho State Police (ISP) detectives received a tip that Austin Lee was distributing fentanyl in the region. Multiple controlled drug purchases helped identify Lee and several co-conspirators. By July 2023, the investigation expanded to include a Mexico-based supplier and other individuals who helped move drugs into Idaho.
Federal and state investigators discovered that some individuals involved were recruited while still incarcerated and began participating in the drug operation following their release.
The following individuals were sentenced:
- Austin Chad Lee, 29, of Twin Falls – 140 months for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl
- Arafat Ramirez, 43, of Jerome – 140 months for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl
- Brandon Aaron Dana, 37, of Leadore – 120 months for distributing fentanyl
- Tina Jane Morris, 46, of Pocatello – 97 months for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine
- Sammy Davey Martinez, 49, of Nampa – 78 months for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl
- Jamie Lee Coltrin, 36, of Rupert – 48 months for distributing fentanyl
- Jenika Ann Johnson, 31, of Pocatello – 48 months for distributing fentanyl
- Daniel Ross Coltrin, 40, of Paul – 25 months for attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
- Rosa Ramirez, 64, of Jerome – 24 months for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl
- Rachel Dixon, 36, of Boise – 3 years’ probation for distributing fentanyl
- Laila Vanessa Ramirez-Martinez, 35, of Jerome – 2 years’ probation for making a false statement
Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott credited the outcome to coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Governor Brad Little also acknowledged the success, stating the convictions show progress in Idaho’s ongoing public safety efforts under Operation Esto Perpetua.
Agencies involved included ISP, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and several local law enforcement departments from Twin Falls, Minidoka, Cassia, Pocatello, Nampa, Ada County, and Garden City, along with the Idaho Department of Correction.
The prosecutions were part of a broader OCDETF initiative targeting major drug trafficking networks.