Nevada Man Sentenced for Running Large Drug Ring in Eastern Idaho

Franklin Ryan, 45, received 17 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and ecstasy.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A Sparks, Nevada man named Franklin Ryan has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug charges stemming from an investigation into over $100,000 worth of drugs sold in eastern Idaho. Ryan was part of a drug trafficking ring that brought large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and ecstasy from Nevada to be distributed in the Idaho Falls area.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating the flow of illegal drugs from neighboring states into rural communities in the Mountain West. The large scale of Ryan's drug operation and the variety of substances involved underscore the serious public health and safety risks posed by these criminal networks.

The details

According to court documents, Ryan was initially charged in September 2024 with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, but was later charged with conspiracy in January 2025 by a federal grand jury. Investigators found that Ryan had been bringing drugs from Nevada to sell out of Airbnb rentals in Idaho Falls, with the help of multiple co-conspirators. An informant reported seeing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and psilocybin mushrooms in one of the Airbnbs. Authorities also tracked over $100,000 in drug sales through Ryan's CashApp account.

  • In March 2024, investigators with the FBI began looking into Ryan after receiving tips from confidential sources.
  • In April 2024, an informant met with Ryan in Idaho Falls and reported seeing various drugs and guns in the Airbnb he was using.
  • In September 2024, an informant was given 6 pounds of methamphetamine by Ryan to sell, with the promise of 14 more pounds to come the following week.
  • Ryan was arrested in late September 2024 along with a woman who managed his CashApp account used for drug sales.

The players

Franklin Ryan

A 45-year-old man from Sparks, Nevada who was the leader of a drug trafficking ring that brought large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and ecstasy from Nevada to be distributed in eastern Idaho.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that investigated Ryan's drug operation and gathered evidence leading to his arrest and conviction.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow Ryan to serve part of his 17-year sentence on probation after his prison term.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the extensive reach and scale of drug trafficking networks that are able to move large quantities of narcotics across state lines, underscoring the need for continued law enforcement efforts and community-based solutions to address the opioid crisis in rural areas.