Missoula, MT – A Missoula man has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison after admitting to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. Alejandro Romero, 36, was sentenced on January 2, 2025, to 19 years and seven months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Romero had pleaded guilty in August 2024 to charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Romero’s criminal activity took place between December 2023 and March 2024 in Missoula. During that time, he was found to be distributing significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl, including a particularly potent version of the drug known as “pink fentanyl.” Federal prosecutors said Romero was responsible for shipping the drugs from Washington to Montana, where he distributed them to local buyers.
Court documents revealed that Romero sold methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and heroin to various individuals in Missoula. One buyer purchased approximately two pounds of meth in separate transactions and also received fentanyl pills and heroin. The buyer also witnessed Romero in possession of thousands of fentanyl pills, pounds of powdered fentanyl, and 10 pounds of methamphetamine—equivalent to approximately 36,240 doses. Romero also had over two pounds of heroin in his possession at the time.
In a separate transaction, Romero arranged for an individual in Washington to receive approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills. Romero reportedly fronted the buyer $3,000 to facilitate the purchase.
The investigation that led to Romero’s conviction was conducted by the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and the Missoula Police Department. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich’s office prosecuted the case, with U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presiding over the sentencing.
Romero’s sentence comes as part of a broader effort to combat the rising tide of fentanyl-related deaths and drug trafficking in the region. Federal authorities have emphasized the need for severe penalties to deter the distribution of highly dangerous substances like fentanyl, which has been linked to numerous overdose deaths in the United States.
