A 28-year-old Washington man was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison after a traffic accident in Oregon uncovered a large stash of fentanyl.
Jesus Paul Zazueta of Yakima was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking synthetic opioids.
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Two Bags of Fentanyl Pills and a Firearm Were Found by Law Enforcement Officers
Court documents suggest Zazueta was a passenger in a car that collided in Deschutes County on October 4, 2021.
When sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police arrived, they searched the vehicle and found two bags in the trunk containing approximately five pounds of fentanyl tablets. Officers also discovered a semi-automatic firearm.
According to federal authorities, Zazueta eventually admitted to packing the cocaine bags himself and expecting payment for carrying them.
He was indicted by a Eugene grand jury in July 2023 for both possession of a firearm and trafficking in drugs. He entered a guilty plea to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute in May 2025.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office all conducted investigations into the matter. Adam Delph, an Assistant United States Attorney, prosecuted the case.
Authorities emphasize the risks of fentanyl, a powerful substance connected to an increase in overdoses across Oregon and the country. Those battling with substance abuse can seek help from the free, confidential Lines for Life helpline at 1-800-923-4357.
