Felix Arencibia, 40, of Amsterdam, New York, pleaded guilty on February 27, 2026, to conspiracy and methamphetamine distribution charges. He admitted to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, Arencibia received at least 5,615 grams of pure methamphetamine through the United States mail from Christian Mur-Santana in Nevada between November 2022 and July 2023. He then distributed the drugs to re-distributors in the Capital District. On April 4, 2023, Arencibia sold 55.6 grams of methamphetamine for cash.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Large-scale drug trafficking operations like this one are a scourge on society, fueling addiction, violence, and despair in our communities. By dismantling this organization and holding its leader accountable, we are sending a clear message that those who profit from poisoning our neighborhoods will face serious federal consequences.”
Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New York Enforcement Division stated: “Once again, we see the extreme lengths individuals will go to as they exploit our mail system to conspire, distribute, and profit from the sale of methamphetamine and fentanyl, poisons capable of single handedly devastating families across New York’s Capital Region and beyond. DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to identifying, investigating, and bringing to justice those who distribute these deadly substances.”
Nicholas Bucciarelli, acting Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of USPIS added: “This case highlights the misuse of the U.S. mail system to facilitate the distribution of dangerous drugs. The Postal Inspection Service will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the mail and to ensure that those who attempt to exploit it for criminal gain are held accountable.”
Arencibia led an organization involving eight other defendants charged in this investigation:
- Andrew Deleon was sentenced to six years (72 months) in prison followed by three years supervised release.
- Stefanie Plass received two years (24 months) imprisonment with three years supervised release.
- Ahmad Burke was sentenced to just over a year (14 months) with three years supervised release.
- Todd Austin received six-and-a-half years (78 months) imprisonment plus three years supervised release.
- Kevisha Duboise is scheduled for sentencing on April 14, 2026.
- Flor Arencibia is scheduled for sentencing on April 16, 2026.
- Melissa Karwan is also set for sentencing on April 16, 2026.
- Christian Mur-Santana is scheduled for sentencing on March 26, 2026.
Arencibia faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment at his sentencing scheduled for June 25, 2026 before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Sentencing decisions consider statutory requirements as well as federal guidelines.
The investigation was conducted by DEA and USPIS. Assistant United States Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting these cases.
These prosecutions are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation targeting high-level criminal organizations using coordinated efforts among agencies nationwide. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
