Bronx Man Sentenced for Importation of Synthetic Marijuana

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mansoor Ghaleb, age 30, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

In pleading guilty, Ghaleb admitted that from September 2016 through June 2017, he conspired with a supplier in China to import at least 8 kilograms of synthetic cannabinoids, with the goal of processing the raw chemicals into “spice” or “K2” for distribution in Schenectady.  Ghaleb specifically admitted to coordinating the payment of $48,000 to the supplier via multiple electronic funds transfers, and arranging for delivery of the synthetic cannabinoids to various locations in the Capital Region. 

This case was investigated by the DEA, HSI, and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). The Albany Police Department also assisted in the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.