fentanyl

A Cheyenne man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for drug trafficking, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

If convicted on both federal counts, Ryan Harkins could be imprisoned for up to 35 years.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated two of the cases.

Opioids in general are more likely to cause overdose deaths than other drugs such as meth and cocaine, and because fentanyl is so powerful it poses an especially high risk.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 stronger than morphine.

Possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.

A 26-year-old Cheyenne man has been sentenced to 44 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl is punishable by between five years and 40 years imprisonment

Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine.

Casper police arrested Ryan Harkins at his home on Friday afternoon.