A Las Vegas man has been arrested and charged in connection with a scheme to smuggle fentanyl into prisons across Nevada and California by mailing drug-laced paper, an operation that authorities say contributed to at least one inmate’s death, as reported by the New York Post.
According to a police report obtained by CBS 8, 30-year-old Hoza Del Collins allegedly promoted his illegal operation through social media while secretly sending fentanyl-soaked letters into multiple correctional facilities.
A Las Vegas man, Hoza Del Collins, was arrested on felony charges including second-degree murder and supplying synthetic drugs to prisons in Nevada and California. His arrest follows recent inmate deaths linked to contraband. #NevadaNewshttps://t.co/uZkLn7h7C5
— 702times (@702times) August 25, 2025
Investigators said Collins had been running the scheme since September of last year and was caught on surveillance cameras mailing the drug-laced correspondence.
Authorities confirmed that at least one inmate, identified as 34-year-old Michael Trapper from Ely State Prison in Nevada, died after reportedly ingesting fentanyl that had been smuggled into the facility through Collins’ operation.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
MORE NEWS: Teens Charged After High School Swimmer Drowns in Texas Lake as Family Demands Justice [WATCH]
Trapper allegedly scraped powder from legal mail and snorted it, which led to his fatal overdose. Collins now faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death.
The report also detailed how Collins coordinated with inmates and their families to distribute the fentanyl-laced letters.
Prison officials documented 278 phone calls between inmates at six separate facilities, which investigators said demonstrated “the scope and consistency of this conspiracy.”
Investigators further uncovered that inmates and Collins used code words to disguise their communication. Terms such as “magazines,” “subscriptions,” “ink cartridges,” “Alfredo sauce,” and “white girls” were used to refer to the drug-soaked papers.
FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest
Social media posts allegedly showed Collins offering these drug-laced documents to inmates’ loved ones, with the intent of sneaking them past prison staff under the guise of legal or personal mail.
In one recorded call, Trapper allegedly assured Collins that he could help expand the distribution network behind bars, promising that the scheme would “make him rich.”
Collins’ arrest comes amid growing concerns over fentanyl-related deaths nationwide, including smuggling attempts targeting prisons.
The investigation revealed that Collins’ operation reached into facilities across two states, heightening scrutiny over how contraband is monitored and intercepted in correctional systems.
Law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests as they continue to examine whether Collins had outside accomplices beyond the prison phone networks and social media contacts.
Collins remains in custody as prosecutors pursue charges, including second-degree murder, drug trafficking, and conspiracy. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing as they review evidence collected from prison calls, surveillance footage, and intercepted mail.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.