Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of 19-year-old TikTok star Cooper Noriega, who passed away from a fatal overdose on June 9, 2022. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner determined that Noriega's cause of death was the combined effects of alprazolam, fentanyl, and lorazepam.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Erik Oved Estrada and Arian Alani. Erik Oved Estrada has been arraigned on federal narcotics charges, with allegations that he ran an illegal drug operation from his home in Calabasas. It is claimed that one of Estrada's associates delivered fentanyl-laced oxycodone to Noriega, resulting in his fatal overdose. Arian Alani is accused of purchasing fentanyl-laced pills from Estrada and subsequently selling them to Noriega.

Authorities allege that Erik Oved Estrada operated a drug-trafficking network that provided same-day delivery of cocaine and fentanyl-laced pills. Prosecutors have charged both Estrada and Alani with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, among other charges.

Cooper Noriega's father, Harold Noriega, expressed gratitude for the arrests and charges, stating that the family is pleased with the result. Cooper, who had over 3.2 million followers on TikTok, had openly discussed his struggles with mental health and addiction. He revealed that he had battled addiction since the age of nine and had previously suffered an overdose/suicide attempt involving fentanyl in 2020.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's report found that Noriega's fatal overdose included a combination of alprazolam, fentanyl, and lorazepam. It is unclear whether Cooper had been prescribed these medications. Additionally, the toxicology report detected recent clonazepam use, another anxiety medication.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is known to be significantly stronger than morphine and heroin, with a potency that can be 80-100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Originally developed for cancer treatment, fentanyl is often used recreationally and is sometimes added to other drugs to increase their potency or profitability.

The tragic loss of Cooper Noriega serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the support needed for individuals with mental health struggles. Cooper's family has launched the Coop's Advice Foundation, aiming to destigmatize addiction and promote comprehensive mental health support.

The drug overdose crisis continues to plague the United States, with overdose deaths increasing by 28.5% in the previous year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 100,000 drug-related overdose deaths in the 12-month period ending in April 2021, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and support in addressing this issue.

As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities and the Noriega family hope to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and mental health challenges, working towards a society that understands and supports those struggling with addiction and mental illness.