"Massive Fentanyl Ring Busted: 23 in Custody, 250K Pills Seized"

A federal investigation into a "massive" fentanyl ring has led to the arrest of 23 suspects and the seizure of 250,000 pills. The illegal sale and distribution of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths, has been described as the greatest threat to Americans today. The investigation began with the overdose death of a 20-year-old mother who had taken a pill disguised as Oxycodone. The network, which operated in multiple states, including California, Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia, flooded the District of Columbia with fake pills containing fentanyl. The defendants face charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, international money laundering, and possession with intent to distribute. The investigation revealed the use of social media platforms for marketing and connecting buyers with suppliers.