FARGO, N.D. — A Portland, Oregon man has pleaded not guilty to supplying a powerful synthetic drug that led to numerous overdoses in eastern North Dakota.

Brandon Hubbard, 40, made his first federal court appearance Wednesday in North Dakota. He’s facing three charges, including conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances resulting in serious bodily injury and death.

Authorities say the overdoses involved powdered fentanyl. Grand Forks police have issued two public warnings about the dangers of fentanyl since 18-year-old Bailey Henke, of Grand Forks, died from an overdose in January.

Investigators say Hubbard admitted to his involvement in the “large scale distribution” of fentanyl and bought about $1.5 million worth of the narcotics in one month alone.

A detention hearing for Hubbard is scheduled May 8 in Fargo.