LOS ANGELES – The leader of a narcotics-distribution ring pleaded guilty this morning to federal drug trafficking charges and admitted importing a powerful synthetic opioid from China that was used to produce homemade pills that were distributed in bulk across the nation.

Gary Resnik, 32, of Long Beach, led a conspiracy that imported acetylfentanyl, a drug very similar to fentanyl, a powerful and highly addictive opioid. Acetylfentanyl, which is many times more potent that heroin, is not approved for any use in the United States.

Resnik pleaded guilty to two felony offenses – conspiracy to manufacture and distribute narcotics (including acetylfentanyl and ecstasy), and possession with the intent to distribute acetylfentanyl.

In a plea agreement filed in federal court, Resnik admitted importing from China bulk chemicals that were used to manufacture narcotics, including acetylfenatnyl. The drug organization also obtained pill presses from China that were used illegally to make tablets in labs in Long Beach and Baldwin Park. Resnik acknowledged that DEA agents seized over 9 kilograms of acetylfentanyl from the organization.

During the course of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, authorities seized narcotics – including opiate pills containing acetylfentanyl, Xanax pills, and ecstasy pills – from a man who had just purchased the drugs from members of the drug trafficking organization.

Resnik is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge S. James Otero on February 26. At the time of sentencing, Resnik will face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each of the two counts.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael G. Freedman and David Ryan of the General Crimes Section.

Component(s): USAO – California, Central

Contact: Thom Mrozek Spokesperson/Public Affairs Officer United States Attorney's Office Central District of California (Los Angeles) 213-894-6947

Press Release Number: 17-156 Updated August 28, 2017

Central District of California DOJ / 17-156 / August 28, 2017