LOS ANGELES — A 21-year-old Santa Clarita man has been indicted for allegedly distributing protonitazene, a powerful synthetic opioid, leading to a fatal overdose earlier this year, federal authorities announced Thursday.
Benjamin Anthony Collins faces one count of distribution of protonitazene resulting in death. This is believed to be the first criminal case in the United States involving a death linked to this drug, which is up to three times more potent than fentanyl.
According to the indictment, Collins allegedly sold pills containing protonitazene to a 22-year-old Stevenson Ranch resident in the early hours of April 19, 2024. The victim consumed the pills in his car, where he later died. His mother discovered him unresponsive in the vehicle parked outside her home and called 911.
Collins was arrested on November 18 and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Wednesday. He is being held without bond as he awaits trial, which is scheduled to begin on January 14, 2025. If convicted, Collins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a possible life sentence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are leading the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa J. Lindhorst prosecuting the case.
Authorities warn of the rising threat posed by novel synthetic opioids like protonitazene, which are sold online and carry extreme risks of fatal overdoses.