It was labeled and looked like Adderall. But thousands of pills were meth and caffeine
Thousands of counterfeit Adderall pills supplied by a Massachusetts gang looked like the real pills. Instead, they were filled with a dangerous compound of methamphetamine and caffeine.
Now, the gang members are facing years in prison.
Erickson Dao, also known as 'Silent,' 32, of Lowell, was sentenced by to more than seven years in prison. He will then be on four years of supervised release.
Bill Phim, also known as 'Bonez,' 37, of Lowell, was sentenced by to 10 years in prison. He will then be on five years of supervised release.
Read more: Fake Adderall joins vapes as growing danger for high schoolers. These teens are fighting back
Both Dao and Phim, who were part of the Asian Boyz, pleaded guilty earlier this year.
Dao pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine. Phim pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.
The pills were similar in shape, size and appearance to genuine Adderall, officials said.
Between February 2022 and April 2022, Dao delivered the counterfeit pills to Phim at least five times. Phim then sold the pills to an undercover federal agent for more than $11,000.
On 12 different dates in 2022, Phim sold these counterfeit 'Adderall' pills to an undercover agent. In total, Phim sold the undercover agent over 10,000 pills for more than $36,000.
Chemical testing confirmed that the pills were a dangerous compound of methamphetamine and caffeine. When investigators searched Dao's residence, they discovered thousands more counterfeit 'Adderall' pills and large quantities of cocaine.
Phim also told the undercover officer that he coordinated the supply of methamphetamine pills with other Asian Boyz gang members and associates, including Brian Gingras, also known as 'Cheech.' Between May 2022 and September 2022, Gingras met Phim prior to the planned deals to personally deliver the pills. Gringas pleaded guilty in January and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4.
Dao is required to forfeit about $50,000 and his jewelry and watches found in his house. Phim is required to forfeit his 2017 Subaru.
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