A Missoula man was sentenced today to 19 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after admitting to distributing significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. Alejandro Romero, 36, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and meth.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the sentencing, with U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich emphasizing the importance of holding major drug traffickers accountable in the fight against the nation’s drug epidemic. Romero’s actions, which included distributing pounds of meth and thousands of fentanyl pills, notably pink fentanyl, played a significant role in poisoning local communities. Pink fentanyl is an especially potent version of the drug, contributing to the ongoing crisis.
Between December 2023 and March 2024, Romero was involved in the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Missoula. Court documents revealed that Romero had sold large quantities of these substances, including fentanyl powder and pills, to several individuals. One purchaser obtained approximately two pounds of meth from Romero in separate transactions, also buying fentanyl pills and heroin. Another individual, connected to a drug deal in Washington, received about 1,000 fentanyl pills, with Romero facilitating the arrangement and fronting $3,000 for the purchase.
Authorities confirmed that Romero’s drug dealings involved significant amounts of fentanyl and meth, including around 10 pounds of meth, equivalent to approximately 36,240 doses, as well as over two pounds of heroin. Romero admitted to sourcing these drugs from Washington and distributing them in Montana. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and the Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation leading to his conviction.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative focused on reducing violent crime and improving neighborhood safety through collaboration among law enforcement and community organizations. PSN aims to address violence by building trust, supporting prevention efforts, and targeting strategic enforcement. For more details, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
