Puerto Rican Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Fentanyl

CONTACT:  Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX #:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Divison.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 25, 2018, before Judge Arcara.