Jose Carrero, a 36-year-old resident of Amsterdam, New York, has entered a guilty plea for possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
Carrero's arrest occurred on November 4, 2024, when DEA agents observed him placing three kilograms of cocaine into his car's trunk. At the time of his arrest, he had $1,704 in cash on him. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered an additional $70,000 believed to be drug proceeds. As part of his plea agreement, Carrero has agreed not to contest the administrative forfeiture of this money.
The charges against Carrero carry significant penalties. He faces a minimum prison sentence of five years and could serve up to 40 years behind bars. Additionally, he may be fined up to $5 million and could face supervised release for at least four years or potentially for life.
The case was investigated by the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner.
