Arden McCann, a Canadian national, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in an international narcotics distribution network operating over the dark web. This operation imported and sold millions of counterfeit Xanax pills to customers across the United States.
"Counterfeit pill production and distribution continues to pose a grave threat to public safety, especially when trafficked anonymously using dark web marketplaces," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He credited the dismantling of McCann's illegal drug operation to "the diligent investigative efforts of our state, federal, and foreign law enforcement partners."
Jae Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked on McCann’s prioritization of profits over public health: "DEA will continue to make sure those who hide behind a keyboard and use the dark web to profit off lives are held accountable."
The sentencing comes amid what Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, described as "a catastrophic overdose epidemic where the threat from synthetic opioids disguised as fake prescription medication is extremely high." He emphasized that this outcome demonstrates effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies at various levels.
Steven N. Schrank from HSI Atlanta highlighted the message sent by McCann's sentencing: "We remain committed to holding those accountable who distribute this poison and threaten public safety." His office plans continued cooperation with law enforcement partners against such networks.
Jason Krizmanich noted that this investigation required extensive coordination among multiple agencies domestically and internationally. "Postal Inspectors will continue to pursue anyone who illegally utilize the mail system," he added.
Marie Eve Lavallée from RCMP stressed ongoing concerns about fentanyl and illicit opioids while affirming their commitment to pursuing criminal networks alongside international partners.
McCann was initially arrested in October 2015 by Laval Police in Quebec after being identified as selling drugs under the alias “DRXanax” on the dark web. Authorities seized two million counterfeit Xanax pills along with other substances and equipment during this investigation.
Despite his arrest, McCann continued his operations until February 2020 across numerous dark web marketplaces. U.S. authorities found him responsible for distributing drugs nationwide and generating over $10 million in revenue.
Following his extradition from Canada on June 9, 2022, McCann pleaded guilty to charges including drug importation and money laundering conspiracies on September 23, 2023. In addition to his prison sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee, he received a $1 million fine and ten years of supervised release post-incarceration.
The case involved multiple agencies such as DEA, FBI, FDA Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), with significant assistance from RCMP.
Assistant U.S Attorneys C. Brock Brockington along with former Assistants Tal Chaiken & Nick Hartigan prosecuted; Trial Attorneys from Office International Affairs also contributed significantly throughout proceedings within framework Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at disrupting highest-level criminal organizations threatening US security interests via prosecutor-led intelligence-driven multi-agency approach available further detail https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF