Man who hid 10,000 fentanyl pills in 'Hello Kitty' bag sentenced for drug trafficking

Ricardo Cantu, a 26-year-old man, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. Between September and October 2023, undercover DEA agents purchased a total of 3,041 fentanyl-laced pills and nearly two pounds of methamphetamine from him. During a subsequent search of Cantu's home on December 7, agents discovered 10,000 fentanyl pills hidden in a child's "Hello Kitty" bag, along with additional drugs and firearms. Cantu and an associate were found armed during the drug transactions, which posed significant risks to public safety, especially for children in the vicinity. The DEA highlighted the serious implications of his actions, stating that he endangered the entire community.

This case underscores the escalating drug crisis and the dangers associated with fentanyl trafficking. Following his prison sentence, Cantu will be subject to four years of supervised release, emphasizing ongoing monitoring of individuals involved in drug crimes. The case serves as a crucial reminder of the need for continued vigilance against drug trafficking in local neighborhoods.