Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Arden McCann, a Canadian national, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in an international narcotics distribution network. The operation involved importing and selling millions of counterfeit Xanax pills to customers across the United States via the dark web.
"Counterfeit pill production and distribution continues to pose a grave threat to public safety, especially when trafficked anonymously using dark web marketplaces," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., emphasizing the collaborative efforts that led to dismantling McCann's drug operation.
Jae Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked on McCann's prioritization of profit over public health: "DEA will continue to make sure those who hide behind a keyboard and use the dark web to profit off lives are held accountable."
Sean Burke from FBI Atlanta highlighted the broader context of this case within a national crisis: "This country is in the midst of a catastrophic overdose epidemic where the threat from synthetic opioids disguised as fake prescription medication is extremely high."
The case against McCann involved significant coordination among various law enforcement agencies at federal, state, and international levels. Steven N. Schrank from HSI Atlanta reiterated their commitment: "McCann’s sentencing sends a clear message that drug trafficking and the devastation it brings to our communities will not be tolerated."
According to court information presented by Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, McCann was initially arrested in October 2015 by Laval Police in Quebec after being identified as selling drugs under the alias “DRXanax.” Authorities seized approximately two million counterfeit Xanax pills along with other substances and items related to drug production.
Despite his arrest, investigations revealed that McCann continued operations on various dark web platforms until February 2020. He was extradited to the United States on June 9, 2022, following his arrest by Canadian authorities earlier that year.
Judge J.P. Boulee sentenced Arden McCann for drug importation and money laundering conspiracies after he pleaded guilty in September 2023. In addition to his prison term, McCann received a $1 million fine.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including DEA, FBI, FDA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), USPS Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation with assistance from RCMP.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brock Brockington led prosecution efforts alongside former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tal Chaiken and Nick Hartigan with support from International Affairs Trial Attorneys.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at dismantling major criminal organizations threatening U.S security through coordinated multi-agency strategies.
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