Dayton, Ohio – Federal prosecutors in Dayton have announced sweeping charges against a group of foreign nationals and companies accused of playing a key role in the global supply chain behind fentanyl distribution, marking a significant escalation in efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks at their source.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging six Chinese nationals and two Chinese pharmaceutical companies in connection with narcotics and money laundering conspiracies tied to chemical agents used to manufacture and dilute fentanyl. In addition to those charges, three of the defendants are also accused of attempting to provide material support to a Mexican drug cartel.
“This new indictment marks the first time in the Southern District of Ohio that we have brought charges for providing material support to a Mexican drug cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization by way of President Trump’s Executive Order of January 20, 2025, and Secretary Rubio’s February 20, 2025 designation,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We are going after the entire chain of supply for these deadly drugs, from Mexican cartels and Chinese pharmaceutical companies to the high-level distributors on our streets in the Southern District of Ohio.”
Allegations target global fentanyl supply chain
According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly marketed, sold, and delivered chemical precursors and cutting agents intended for use by drug traffickers in the production of fentanyl. These substances were offered to both domestic and international buyers, with the understanding that they would be used to manufacture drugs that would ultimately be distributed within the United States.
Authorities explained that chemical precursors are essential in producing fentanyl, while cutting agents are used to increase the volume of the drug for sale. One example highlighted in the case is medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer that is said to be significantly more powerful than morphine. Officials stated that this substance can dramatically expand the amount of fentanyl available for distribution, turning a single kilogram into millions of doses for street-level sales.
Three defendants are also accused of attempting to support the Cártel del Golfo, also known as the Gulf Cartel, a violent organization based in Mexico. Prosecutors allege that the individuals tried to sell chemical precursors and medetomidine to someone they believed to be a member of the cartel, which is involved in a range of criminal activities including drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and human smuggling.
Companies and individuals identified in indictment
Those named in the indictment include Shandong Believe Chemical Company Pte Ltd. and Shandong Ranhang Biotechnology Co. Ltd., along with individuals Hanson Zhao, Gao Yanpeng, Xia Yi, Zhang Jian, Wang Zhoalan, and Zhang Chunhai.
Authorities allege that the companies used these individuals to carry out transactions with customers in the United States. The defendants are accused of soliciting business, negotiating deals, and arranging payments for illegal substances. According to prosecutors, customers were often directed to make payments using cryptocurrency, which was then transferred into digital wallets controlled by the defendants and eventually moved into overseas financial institutions.
The charges include conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture. This offense carries a potential sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Additional charges, including attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and international money laundering, carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
Broader enforcement effort continues
Officials emphasized that this case is part of a larger effort to address the fentanyl crisis by targeting every level of the supply chain. Investigators noted that similar charges were filed in September 2025 against dozens of defendants in related cases, including individuals connected to the Dayton area.
“The FBI is aggressively pursuing individuals and companies in China that are selling dangerous narcotics and working with terrorist organizations,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “We will continue to use innovative approaches to investigate those peddling lethal drugs as we work to protect our communities.”
The investigation received support from China’s Ministry of Public Security, which provided intelligence that helped advance the case against the companies and their network.
The case is also tied to the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, a multi-agency effort focused on dismantling criminal cartels and transnational organizations involved in drug trafficking and other serious crimes. Through coordinated enforcement and expanded investigative tools, officials say they are working to disrupt the networks that fuel violence and instability both in the United States and abroad.
With the charges now filed, prosecutors say the case represents another step in confronting the complex global systems behind fentanyl production and distribution while holding those involved accountable under federal law.
