Wenjian Zhuo, a 32-year-old Chinese national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was found guilty in federal court in Syracuse for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The conviction follows a two-day jury trial.
Authorities said that on January 22, 2025, Zhuo drove from New York City to the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation. There, his van was loaded with approximately 207 pounds (94 kilograms) of marijuana. He then began transporting the marijuana back to New York City. Border Patrol agents stopped him during the journey and seized the drugs.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the case: “For far too long, criminal networks have exploited the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation as a gateway for smuggling illegal drugs into our country. We will not tolerate anyone using this border region as a safe haven for trafficking. If you attempt to move narcotics through this corridor, you will be investigated, arrested, prosecuted, and held fully accountable. Border Patrol and DEA work every day to close this valve and this time, they were successful.”
Robert Garcia, Chief of United States Border Patrol for the Swanton Sector, stated: “Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents remain vigilant in protecting the nation from the dangers posed by human and narcotics trafficking. This case demonstrates the dedication and teamwork of our agents and all our law enforcement partners in the area, including the United States Attorney’s Office, in intercepting illicit drugs before they reach our communities. We also commend the United States Attorney’s Office for their dedication to prosecuting those who attempt to exploit our border for criminal activity, ensuring they are held accountable and brought to justice.”
Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Enforcement Division of DEA added: “Once again, justice is being delivered to those criminal networks and individuals flooding the Northeast corridor with illegal marijuana. Today’s guilty verdict against Wenjian Zhuo reinforces our commitment to identify, target, and prosecute all those who profit from illicit drug distribution. The DEA New York Enforcement Division remains steadfast in our pursuit of holding accountable anyone trafficking drugs across our borders and into our neighborhoods.”
Zhuo is scheduled for sentencing on June 23, 2026 by Senior District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine up to $1 million dollars, and at least three years of supervised release after serving any prison term.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol agents along with DEA personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted the case.
