Over Six Years in Prison for Drug Dealer Arrested with 15 Pounds of Fentanyl

Melvin Alexis Diaz Arteaga, 30, from Oakland and a citizen of Honduras, received a 78-month federal prison sentence for six drug charges. These charges were related to his activities in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, where he was involved in the sale and intent to sell fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The sentencing, announced by United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, took place under Senior United States District Judge Charles R. Breyer.

Charges and Plea

Diaz pled guilty in October 2023 to several charges:

• Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(vi))
• Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(vi), (b)(1)(B)(i)–(ii))
• Distribution of methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(viii), (b)(1)(C))

In his plea, Diaz admitted to possessing 6.6 kilograms of fentanyl and quantities of other drugs for sale at the time of his arrest in Berkeley, California, on November 16, 2022. He used a Berkeley apartment to store and prepare drugs for sale in the Tenderloin and other locations. Diaz also confessed to selling fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover San Francisco Police Department officer on four occasions between September 16, 2022, and October 5, 2022.

Evidence and Sentencing Memorandum

Law enforcement found two firearms, cash, and drug processing equipment in the Berkeley stash house, alongside the drugs. Investigations revealed Diaz’s daily travels from Oakland to the Tenderloin for drug sales, often after stopping at the Berkeley stash house for drug supplies.

The government’s sentencing memorandum highlighted Diaz’s regular engagement in drug trafficking and his possession of significant quantities of fentanyl. It emphasized the seriousness of his offenses and the impact on the community.

Forfeiture and Sentencing

As part of the plea agreement, Diaz agreed to forfeit over $50,000 in cash seized during his arrest, acknowledging these funds were related to drug trafficking. Diaz, who has been in custody since November 16, 2022, was also ordered to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term.