Oregon Car Crash Reveals Massive Fentanyl Haul That Sends Washington Man to Prison for More Than Seven Years

A 28-year-old Washington man has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison after a traffic accident in Oregon led investigators to uncover a large stash of fentanyl.

Jesus Paul Zazueta of Yakima was ordered this week to serve seven and a half years behind bars, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in trafficking the synthetic opioid.

Two Bags of Fentanyl Pills and a Firearm Were Found by Law Enforcement Officers

Court records show that Zazueta was a passenger in a car that crashed in Deschutes County on October 4, 2021.

When sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police arrived at the scene, they searched the vehicle and discovered two bags in the trunk filled with fentanyl pills, weighing about five pounds. Officers also found a semi-automatic firearm.

According to federal prosecutors, Zazueta later admitted he had packed the bags of drugs himself and expected to be paid for transporting them.

A Eugene grand jury indicted him in July 2023 on charges of drug trafficking and firearm possession. He pleaded guilty in May 2025 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Delph.

Authorities stress the dangers of fentanyl, a potent drug linked to a surge in overdoses across Oregon and the nation. Those struggling with substance use can call the free, confidential Lines for Life helpline at 1-800-923-4357 for support.