FORT HOOD, Texas — Authorities are cracking down on the deadly opioid fentanyl, which has caused a spike in overdose deaths across the state. A Fort Hood soldier was sentenced to six years in prison for the distribution of fentanyl, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for the Western District of Texas.

“Fentanyl is flooding the United States at an alarming rate and our communities in Central Texas are not immune from its devastation,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “This case underscores our resolve to address the dangerous trafficking of fentanyl with all available resources. We will continue to prioritize and prosecute crimes involving this deadly poison and we are thankful for the outstanding work of our local, state, and federal partners.”

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide initiative to get the fentanyl crisis under control, calling upon agencies to do their part in weeding out this drug from the community.

An active soldier at the time in Fort Hood, 25-year-old Army Sergeant Eri Gutberto Parra-Lopez sold around 3,150 tablets of fentanyl, weighing about 3,349 kgs., to Austin-area cops who were undercover between May 2021 and July 2021, according to court documents.

“This case demonstrates the lengths Mexican cartels are willing to go to infiltrate our communities with deadly fentanyl for their own selfish gains,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division. “We remain committed to our collaborative efforts with our local partners to reverse the overdose and poisoning epidemic and bring to justice those fueling it.”

Parra-Lopez pleaded guilty to the charge of one count of distribution of fentanyl on April 20, 2022.

“This sentencing is the result of the great teamwork we have with our local, federal and state law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Maria Thomas of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). “Army CID and our partner agencies take the threat of fentanyl to the public, and the Army, very seriously. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to interdict the distribution of fentanyl wherever it may occur.”

The DEA, Pflugerville and Austin Police Departments and Army CID investigated the case with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office’s help.