WASHINGTON — A D.C. man has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for bringing thousands of counterfeit Oxycodone pills into the city.
Columbian Thomas, a 26-year-old Washington D.C. rapper known as "Cruddy Murda," was sentenced Tuesday to 160 months in federal prison for his role in a large-scale fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. This operation involved the distribution of hundreds of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills across the United States, including the District of Columbia.
Thomas's sentencing is part of a broader crackdown on a fentanyl distribution network that came to light following the tragic overdose death of Diamond Lynch, a young mother from Southeast D.C. Following her death, law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation that uncovered a complex web of traffickers transporting fentanyl from Mexico to locations in Southern California and eventually to the District of Columbia. The investigation has led to the arrest of more than two dozen co-defendants across various states, including D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and California.
Thomas pleaded guilty on May 30 to conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. As part of the conspiracy, he traveled frequently to Southern California, where he purchased counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl from a known supplier. These pills were then transported back to Washington D.C. via two main methods: either concealed in luggage or carry-on items during airline flights, or shipped through commercial mail carriers.
Evidence presented in court revealed that Thomas often flaunted his involvement in drug trafficking on social media, boasting about his profits and lifestyle. Law enforcement arrested him on June 2, 2023, discovering about 100 blue M-30 fentanyl pills, as well as a loaded Glock 21 Gen4 pistol equipped with a “giggle switch,” which allows the weapon to function as a fully automatic firearm.
Since the start of this investigation, authorities have seized over 450,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 30 firearms from the traffickers involved. The scale of this operation highlights the serious threat that fentanyl poses to communities across the nation, with many unsuspecting users falling victim to the deadly consequences of counterfeit drugs.
Columbian Thomas is not alone in facing charges in connection to this drug trafficking ring. A detailed list of co-defendants involved in the conspiracy has emerged, many of whom are awaiting sentencing or have already received prison terms. Some of these include:
- Hector David Valdez (26, California): Conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and money laundering.
- Craig Eastman (20, Washington, D.C.): Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, with sentencing scheduled for January 7, 2025.
- Raymond Nava, Jr. (20, California): Sentenced to 14 years for similar charges.
