BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA), New York Division announced that Miguel Figueroa, 32, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 10 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing butyryl fentanyl and furanyl fentanyl before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on March 7, 2017, and April 11, 2017, the defendant sold drugs to a confidential source working for the DEA in exchange for $1,100 cash. Forensic testing determined that the controlled substance sold by Figueroa contained butyryl fentanyl, U-47700, furanyl fentanyl, and fentanyl.
On April 24, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a New York State search warrant at Figueroa’s residence on 15th Street in Buffalo. Officers recovered a plastic bag and five glassine envelopes containing a powder substance. Testing determined that the plastic bag and one of the envelopes contained butyryl fentanyl. Officers also recovered packaging materials, a digital scale, and approximately $3,137 in cash.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the DEA Buffalo Resident Office, New York Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 25, 2018, before Judge Arcara.
