Amherst Woman Gets Year for ‘Flakka’ Import Scheme

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Judi Strong, 43, of Amherst, New York, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 12 months for her role in a 2015 scheme to import the dangerous synthetic stimulant Alpha-PVP, also known on the streets as “flakka.” The sentence was handed down today by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, closing a case that exposed a direct pipeline of illicit drugs from China into Western New York.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser, who prosecuted the case, Strong conspired with an accomplice to order Alpha-PVP online, directly from sources in China. The operation, uncovered by federal investigators, involved two FedEx Express Mail packages shipped to Strong’s Amherst residence in July 2015. The packages weren’t filled with harmless goods; they contained approximately 178 grams of the highly addictive and potentially deadly substance.

Federal law enforcement didn’t let the packages reach Strong unnoticed. Intercepted by agents, a controlled delivery was orchestrated. Strong willingly accepted the packages at her home, effectively sealing her fate. The intercept and delivery confirmed her direct involvement in the importation plot, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution. This wasn’t a case of accidental possession; it was a deliberate attempt to bring a dangerous drug into the community.

The investigation, led by Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) under Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, demonstrates the ongoing efforts to combat the influx of synthetic drugs into the United States. HSI’s focus on disrupting international drug trafficking networks remains a top priority, and this case serves as a warning to those attempting to exploit the global supply chain for illicit purposes.

Alpha-PVP, a Schedule I controlled substance, poses significant health risks, often leading to paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior. Its prevalence has been linked to a surge in emergency room visits and overdoses across the country. The 12-month sentence for Strong reflects the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating the trafficking of this dangerous drug.

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. emphasized the importance of continued vigilance in the fight against drug trafficking. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these criminal enterprises and protect our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs,” Hochul stated. Contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 or via fax at (716) 551-3051 for further information.