Crime & Safety
Alexandria Man Convicted In Fentanyl Trafficking Scheme
The drug distribution scheme was tied to an overdose death of an Arlington woman in December 2020.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — An Alexandria man was convicted Wednesday in a case involving the distribution of fentanyl with ties to a fatal overdose.
A federal jury convicted Kibruysday Degefa, 29, on charges of conspiracy, possession, and distribution of fentanyl and Eutylone, and being a felon in possession of a firearm during drug trafficking.
According to prosecutors, the charges date back to Degefa working with others to distribute counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, as well as Eutylone, a designer drug similar to MDMA (ecstasy). Pills distributed on Dec. 20, 2020 contributed to the mixed drug overdose death of a 20-year-old woman in Arlington. The woman's blood was determined to have fentanyl.
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A search warrant on the hotel room where Degefa was staying uncovered additional narcotics for distribution, including Eutylone. Law enforcement also found multiple guns hidden in bathroom ceiling tiles. Degefa had previously convicted of robbery in Alexandria in 2015.
When sentenced on Feb. 18, 2022, Degefa faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison.
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