LOS ANGELES — A man from Southern California was taken into custody on Wednesday after federal authorities alleged that he utilized a drone to transport fentanyl and other illegal substances to clients, including one individual whose overdose from fentanyl resulted in death.

Christopher Patrick Laney, 34, hailing from Lancaster, California, faces multiple charges. These charges encompass the distribution of fentanyl that led to death, four counts of operating an unregistered aircraft in relation to a narcotics offense, as well as possession with the intent to distribute both methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to a statement by U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California.

There was no immediate response from a spokesperson for Estrada regarding inquiries about whether Laney has legal representation.

Federal prosecutors assert that from December 2022 to January 2023, Laney reportedly used an unregistered drone to deliver fentanyl and various narcotics from his residence to a church parking lot close by. There, another accomplice collected the drugs and distributed them to clients, which included a woman who suffered a fatal overdose in January 2023.

Evidence, including video footage from the drone, allegedly demonstrated that Laney conducted drug deliveries at least three additional times.

Moreover, a grand jury indictment has charged Laney with possessing an AR-15 rifle and two 9 mm semiautomatic pistols in his home. These firearms, categorized as “ghost guns” by law enforcement due to their lack of serial numbers, present challenges in terms of tracking.

Should he be found guilty of all the allegations, Laney could potentially face a prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life.