San Antonio Man Sentenced 25 Years for Fentanyl and Firearms
A San Antonio resident, previously convicted of a felony, received a 25 year federal prison sentence after authorities found more than 9,800 fentanyl pills and multiple firearms during a 2023 arrest. The case underscores continued federal enforcement efforts in the Western District of Texas and the ongoing threat fentanyl poses to communities across the region.
Federal prosecutors secured a 25 year prison sentence on December 3, 2025 for Tyrell Ezekiel Darden, 25, of San Antonio, after he pleaded guilty to charges tied to a large fentanyl seizure and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The sentence was handed down in federal court in San Antonio following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Alamo Heights Police Department.
Court documents show officers executed two active felony arrest warrants for Darden in July 2023 and found him attempting to flush dozens of blue pills down a toilet. Investigators recovered more than 9,800 fentanyl pills shaped to resemble Oxycodone and bearing the M30 stamp commonly associated with Oxycodone pills. Officers also seized multiple firearms from the residence, including several reported stolen, along with $4,703 in U.S. currency and other high value items such as jewelry.
Darden was indicted on November 1, 2023 on one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. He was arrested on November 9, 2023 and entered guilty pleas to both counts on June 18, 2025. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced the outcome and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock prosecuted the case.
For Val Verde County residents the case signals active federal and local cooperation to remove large quantities of fentanyl and illegal firearms from circulation. The seizure of nearly 10,000 fentanyl pills highlights the scale of supply that can move across jurisdictions and the risks that counterfeit pills pose to public safety. The prosecution illustrates federal priorities on trafficking and firearm offenses and may have a deterrent effect on distribution networks operating in the region.
Community members with information on suspected drug trafficking or firearm crimes are encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Media inquiries regarding the federal prosecution may be directed to USATXW.MediaInquiry@usdoj.gov.
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