Retired Texas Nurse Sentenced for Nationwide Fentanyl Distribution

A retired Texas nurse has been sentenced to federal prison for operating a large-scale fentanyl distribution network from her home. The 72-year-old woman mailed approximately 150,000 counterfeit prescription pills containing the deadly synthetic opioid across the United States. Federal investigators uncovered the operation after tracking postal shipments. Court documents reveal the woman began the illicit enterprise after facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities say she used her medical knowledge to manufacture and package the pills. The counterfeit tablets were designed to resemble legitimate prescription medication but contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. The sentence concludes a case that highlights the evolving methods of drug traffickers. Officials emphasize that fentanyl remains a leading cause of overdose deaths in the country.