Houston man admits role in motel fentanyl overdose linked to drug network

A 36-year-old man has pleaded guilty to federal charges after authorities say he distributed fentanyl from a North Harris County motel room.

Velasquez-Nikki Saadia Porter admitted to conspiring to distribute nearly 200 grams of fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.

• Texas City man sentenced to 13 years for fentanyl distribution

The case began in 2023 when investigators linked Porter to a local drug operation connected to fentanyl overdoses in the Houston area. Prosecutors say he was running a distribution point out of a motel room, where he sold the drug to customers.

Porter remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 2. He faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $5 million.

The case was investigated by the FBI and DEA as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation, with help from the Montgomery County Narcotics Enforcement Team.