U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Juan Padua, 33, and Michael Vasquez, 24, both of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy and attempting to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Watkins, who is handling the case, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a U.S. Postal Service Priority Express Mail parcel shipped from Puerto Rico and addressed to an apartment in which defendant Padua resided.
On July 22, 2020, investigators executed a federal search warrant on the box, which contained toys, coloring books, paper plates, napkins, and a Nickelodeon slime box. The slime box, which was wrapped in red wrapping paper with multi-colored stars and Spanish writing, contained a large, white, brick-like substance that was comprised of a loosely packed white powder.
Field tests indicated the presence of both cocaine and fentanyl.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
The defendants were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. Defendant Padua was detained; defendant Vasquez was released on conditions.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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