International Drug Trafficking Operation Uncovered

Washington — Federal prosecutors have announced charges against 11 individuals for their involvement in an international drug trafficking operation. It is alleged that these individuals imported kilograms of illicit substances, including fentanyl, from China, India, and Italy for distribution within the United States.

An indictment, recently unsealed in Ohio, reveals that Brian Lumbus Jr., who was already serving time in prison for state charges, was the mastermind behind this operation. While incarcerated, Lumbus coordinated with his co-defendants to distribute illegal drugs throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Investigators have also discovered that Giancarlo Miserotti, an Italian national, played a significant role in this operation. Miserotti, who was recently apprehended in Italy, worked closely with Lumbus and others to acquire illicit substances from China. To avoid attracting attention from American customs officials, the drugs were first sent to Italy before being shipped to the United States.

"From behind bars at the Ohio Penitentiary, Brian Lumbus orchestrated a global and interstate drug trafficking operation that brought fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic drugs from overseas factories to the streets of our region," stated U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. "Working in collaboration with several individuals in the United States and abroad, Lumbus facilitated the acquisition, assembly, and repackaging of these drugs, which were then distributed through the mail or by hand to other members of the conspiracy."

Court documents reveal that in February 2021, Miserotti assumed the identity of an American opioid retailer and communicated with a contact in China to negotiate prices for Isotonitazene, a controlled substance. Months later, Miserotti and Lumbus were allegedly overheard discussing the shipment of new products and mixtures of narcotics during a phone conversation.

According to prosecutors, Lumbus' co-defendants were responsible for purchasing and receiving packages containing the illicit drugs, which were then mixed and distributed throughout the region. Investigators claim that Lumbus mentioned his plans to transport additional substances to Tennessee during a phone call in October 2022, stating, "I'm going to be mixing up some more stuff that's going to be way stronger than that."

In that same month, court documents allege that five out of the 11 co-defendants obtained a mixture containing 40 grams or more of fentanyl with the intention of distributing it.