DEA arrests man accused of selling fentanyl in McAllen

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration arrested a man accused of selling fentanyl in McAllen last week.

James Calvin Queen II, 41, of McAllen was arrested on June 23, when agents raided an apartment on the 1100 block of West Fern Avenue.

During the raid, agents discovered about 56 grams of fentanyl, a large amount of cash and two loaded firearms.

“Mr. Queen stated that he ‘helps out’ his friends,” DEA Special Agent Kevin Buechner said on Monday, when Queen appeared in court. “‘Helping out’ was him providing fentanyl to his friends and other people.”

At roughly 4:10 p.m. on June 23, the DEA and the Texas Department of Public Safety raided the apartment on West Fern Avenue.

They discovered clear plastic bags that contained pills and powders, which appeared to be packaged for sale.

Agents also found scales, a large amount of cash, a money-counting machine and two loaded firearms in the bedroom closet.

The pills tested positive for fentanyl, Buechner said. Another substance found at the apartment tested positive for heroin.

Agents detained Queen and a woman during the search.

The woman refused to speak with agents, Buechner said, and was released.

During a recorded interview, Queen confessed to selling drugs, Buechner said.

Queen said he sold fentanyl “quite a bit,” Buechner said, and had 30 to 40 repeat customers.

The Department of Public Safety charged Queen with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, a first-degree felony.

Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Charlie Espinoza set bail at $20,000.

The DEA, meanwhile, charged Queen with possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute, a federal felony.

As soon as Queen posted bail, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested him on the federal charge.

Queen returned to court Monday afternoon wearing a black t-shirt.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia, who is prosecuting the case, said Queen is a danger to society and should remain in jail.

“We do believe that Mr. Queen is a drug trafficker,” Garcia said.

Queen is also an alcoholic, Garcia said, and had to be hospitalized for alcohol withdrawal after his arrest.

Attorney Arturo Cantu of McAllen, who represents Queen, asked the court to set bond.

“He’s a diesel mechanic,” Cantu said. “He’s got two loving parents.”

Cantu said Queen’s mother and stepfather, who live in Pharr, would be willing to monitor him.

U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker said he would take the matter under advisement and sent Queen back to jail.

If convicted on the federal fentanyl charge, Queen faces 5 to 40 years in prison.