United States Drug Enforcement Administration

RENO – A Reno man was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to another person.

Alan James Morgan, also known as “AJ Morgan,” 38, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Morgan was sentenced on November 13, 2023.

According to court documents, law enforcement identified Morgan as a runner for a drug trafficking organization operating out of Woodland, California. On January 12, 2022, during a traffic stop of Morgan’s vehicle, Morgan ignored law enforcement’s orders and fled in his vehicle. During the car pursuit, Morgan tossed a backpack containing a “brick” of methamphetamine and 1,000 counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills out of the vehicle. He then crashed the vehicle into a fence, causing the vehicle to catch fire, and fled on foot. Law enforcement pursued Morgan and arrested him in a nearby restaurant parking lot.

Subsequent searches of Morgan’s storage unit and residence led to the seizure of several hundred counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills and approximately four pounds of methamphetamine. In total, law enforcement seized 1,011 grams of fentanyl and 3,343 grams of methamphetamine.

United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the DEA Las Vegas District Office made the announcement.

The Tri-NET Narcotic Task Force, DEA, and Regional Narcotics Unit investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community — which may include the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances — please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA Tip Line at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.