ANGELINA/HOUSTON COUNTY, TX - A months-long, multi-county narcotics investigation wrapped up this week with the arrests of two men accused of manufacturing and distributing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs across East Texas.
According to the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, deputies concluded the investigation on January 14 following coordinated arrests in Angelina and Houston counties. Those arrested were Darryl Dewayne Mask, 24, of Lufkin, and Adriyel Demille Mask, 41, of Kennard.
Investigators developed information indicating Darryl Mask was selling fentanyl pills, one of the most lethal narcotics currently circulating in the region. Deputies conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Mask in Lufkin. In one instance, investigators say Mask directed a buyer to meet him in the parking lot of Lufkin Middle School while classes were in session.
Arrest warrants were obtained, and 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 his arrest. A search of his vehicle also led to the recovery of K-2 and cocaine. Because Mask is a convicted felon, an additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm was filed along with multiple drug charges.
As the investigation expanded, deputies uncovered evidence pointing to a fentanyl pill manufacturing operation based in Houston County. Adriyel Mask was identified as the suspected operator. Investigators obtained a search warrant for property located off County Road 4700 between Ratcliff and Kennard and coordinated with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office to monitor the residence.
Just before deputies arrived to execute the warrant, Adriyel Mask left the property in a Dodge Charger and was stopped by Houston County deputies on Highway 7. Authorities reported finding a large quantity of methamphetamine and a Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver inside the vehicle. Mask was taken into custody without incident.
Following the traffic stop, deputies executed the search warrant at the residence and discovered what investigators described as a fully operational fentanyl pill manufacturing setup. Items seized included a commercial-grade pill press, die sets used to form fentanyl pills, precursor chemicals, scales, contaminated mixing equipment, a pill tumbler, finished fentanyl pills, and multiple other narcotics. Deputies also recovered marijuana, MDMA, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, liquid PCP, and a stolen 9mm Sig Sauer pistol reported out of Houston.
Investigators believe a significant amount of fentanyl being sold in the Angelina and Houston County area originated from this operation, exposing the surrounding community to an extremely dangerous substance. A hazardous materials disposal unit was dispatched to safely secure and remove the seized materials.
Both men face numerous felony charges related to drug manufacturing and distribution. Darryl Mask’s bonds total $57,500, while Adriyel Mask’s bonds exceed $500,000. Both are currently being held in the Angelina County Jail.
The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office credited extensive collaboration with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Lufkin Police Department, the Angelina County District Attorney’s Office, Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, and the DEA for bringing the investigation to a close.
