Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Pill Press Operation

ICE News Releases

Filed March 6th, 2026

Detected March 16th, 2026

Summary

A Washington man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for operating a clandestine pill press that produced millions of fentanyl pills. The investigation by HSI and other agencies uncovered significant quantities of drugs and firearms. This case highlights the severe penalties for illicit drug manufacturing and distribution.

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What changed

Nicholas Adams, 37, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a commercial pill press operation conducted from his basement in Spokane, Washington. The operation utilized a Chinese-manufactured pill press to produce an estimated 2 million fentanyl pills, alongside substantial quantities of other illicit drugs including meth, heroin, cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana. The investigation, a joint effort by HSI Seattle, DEA, Spokane Police Department, and the RAVEN Task Force, also discovered multiple firearms and body armor at the residences.

This sentencing underscores the severe legal consequences for individuals engaged in the illicit manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances, particularly fentanyl. Regulated entities involved in the import or manufacture of pharmaceutical equipment, or those in related supply chains, should be aware of the stringent enforcement actions taken against such operations. While this is an individual criminal case, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential for severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, for those involved in drug trafficking and the use of equipment for illegal purposes.

What to do next

Review import and distribution controls for equipment that could be used for illicit drug manufacturing.
Reinforce internal controls and due diligence processes for high-risk product categories.
Stay informed on enforcement trends related to fentanyl and illicit drug operations.

Penalties

20 years in prison

Source document (simplified)

March 15, 2026 Washington, DC, United States Narcotics

Washington man sentenced to 20 years following HSI investigation into commercial pill press operation

The man and his co-conspirator used a pill press from China and set up shop in his basement, obtaining enough fentanyl powder to make 2 million pills containing a lethal dose WASHINGTON — A federal judge sentenced Nicholas Adams, 37, to 20 years in prison March 6 for his role in a clandestine pill press operation run out of his basement in Spokane, Washington. The sentence followed an HSI Seattle, DEA, Spokane Police Department and RAVEN Task Force investigation.

“Adams and his co-conspirator obtained a Chinese pill press and set up an operation in his basement,” said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “The two men mixed powdered fentanyl and cutting agents to make their own pills for bulk distribution — and as if that weren’t enough, they also possessed large quantities of meth, heroin, cocaine, MDMA and marijuana. The DEA discovered multiple loaded firearms in their residences, including a fully automatic machine gun, and three sets of body armor.”
Adams, a serial criminal whose history includes controlled substance abuse, was initially released from custody after being arrested for this offense to attend inpatient drug treatment. However, he continued to use drugs and was returned to custody.

Learn more about this case here.

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Updated:

03/15/2026