Multi-County Narcotics Investigation Leads to Two Arrests, Seizure of Fentanyl Manufacturing Operation
- Rita Shipp
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
ANGELINA COUNTY, Texas — A months-long, multi-county narcotics manufacturing and distribution investigation conducted by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of two men and the dismantling of what authorities say was a large-scale fentanyl pill manufacturing operation supplying drugs throughout the Angelina and Houston County areas.
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation concluded on January 14, following the arrests of Darryl Dewayne Mask, 34, of Lufkin, and Adriyel Demille Mask, 41, of Kennard.
Fentanyl Sales Linked to Lufkin Area
Investigators say information developed during the investigation indicated Darryl Mask was actively selling fentanyl pills, one of the most dangerous and deadly narcotics currently impacting the region. Authorities confirmed multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl were made from Mask in Lufkin.
In one instance, deputies allege Mask directed a buyer to meet him in the parking lot of Lufkin Middle School while school was in session.
After arrest warrants were obtained, Darryl Mask was taken into custody on January 13 at an apartment complex off Daniel McCall Drive. Deputies reported that Mask was armed with a Taurus .40-caliber pistol at the time of arrest. K-2 and cocaine were also recovered from his vehicle.
Because Mask is a convicted felon, an additional charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm was filed, along with multiple drug-related charges.
Houston County Manufacturing Operation Uncovered
During the course of the investigation, evidence led deputies to a suspected fentanyl pill manufacturing operation in Houston County, where Adriyel Mask was identified as the primary suspect.
A search warrant was obtained for a property located off County Road 4700 between Ratcliff and Kennard. Authorities notified Houston County Sheriff’s Office, and deputies from Houston County established surveillance on the residence.
Just before Angelina County deputies arrived to execute the warrant, Adriyel Mask reportedly left the residence in a Dodge Charger. Houston County deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 7, where they recovered a large quantity of methamphetamine and a Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver. Mask was taken into custody without incident.
Commercial-Grade Pill Press, Multiple Drugs Seized
Deputies from both counties then executed the search warrant on the residence, uncovering what officials described as an operational, commercial-grade fentanyl pill manufacturing setup.
Items seized during the search included:
A commercial pill press
Die sets used to form fentanyl pills
Precursor and raw materials
Scales and pill tumblers
Contaminated plastic mixing containers
Finished fentanyl pills
Methamphetamine, MDMA, marijuana, crack cocaine, and liquid PCP
A stolen 9mm Sig Sauer pistol reported out of Houston
A hazardous materials disposal unit from Houston County was dispatched to secure and safely dispose of the seized materials.
Authorities stated the investigation indicates a significant amount of fentanyl being sold in the Angelina and Houston County area originated from this operation, exposing the community to extreme risk.
Agencies Involved
The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office credited the success of the investigation to cooperation from multiple agencies, including:
Lufkin Police Department
Angelina County District Attorney’s Office
Texas Department of Public Safety (Criminal Investigations Division)
FBI Safe Streets Task Force
Homeland Security Investigations
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Drug Enforcement Administration
Bond Information
Authorities report Darryl Mask’s bonds total $57,500, while Adriyel Mask’s bonds exceed $500,000. Both men remain housed in the Angelina County Jail.
As with all cases, the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
.png)
