A now-former professor at Texas Tech University has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl after a federal investigation that began in 2025.
A marketing and supply chain professor at Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business, Daniel Taylor was employed the entire time of the drug trafficking scheme and admitted that his “educational background and expertise” helped to “further or advance his fentanyl distribution network.”
The investigation into the drug trafficking scheme began in June 2025 and was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Caprock High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.
According to court documents, federal agents obtained a search warrant for Taylor’s residence in February 2026 after surveilling his home and activities.
After searching his house, agents discovered “various quantities of fentanyl, bromazolam, cocaine base (also known as crack cocaine), methamphetamine, ketamine, and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).”
Agents also discovered that Taylor marketed a narcotic mixture that he named “pink flamingo,” a combination of “ghost” fentanyl and bromazolam.
The search also uncovered evidence that Taylor was giving fentanyl to prostitutes in exchange for sex, which was confirmed by “cooperating sources.”
Taylor admitted to both selling fentanyl for at least two years to “three different prostitutes several times a week,” and to selling the “pink flamingo” fentanyl mixture for about eight months after being told that the ghost fentanyl was causing individuals to overdose. Following this, he began “mixing ghost with bromazolam and would mix the substances with water and red food coloring” which turned the narcotic powder mixture pink.
The resulting product was called and marketed as “pink flamingo” by Taylor, who would put cartoon flamingo stickers on the product’s packaging.
During the agents’ search at Taylor’s house, they discovered a handwritten note recording the recipe for the fentanyl mixture and “flamingo-related paraphernalia, including small flamingo stickers, keychains, and pink envelopes.”
“Taylor utilized his education and background in supply chain management to build and operate his own supply chain of dangerous narcotics in the Lubbock area, primarily dealing out of the Executive Inn,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould of the Northern District of Texas. “With his pink flamingo and ghost branding of fentanyl, he also drugged prostitutes to fuel his own sexual desires.”
“I expect—and we will certainly be asking for—a severe prison sentence to hold him accountable for the harm he caused our community.”
On July 1, Taylor pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
He remains in federal custody pending sentencing and faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $5 million.
