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Deandre Robinson, Fentanyl Trafficking, Minneapolis MN, 2023
ST. PAUL, MN – Deandre Lashawn Robinson, 31, of Minneapolis, is headed to federal prison for over a decade after being convicted of trafficking fentanyl and possessing illegal firearms. Robinson was sentenced to 129 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric C. Tostrud.
The case began in August 2021 when Minneapolis Police Department officers received credible information that Robinson was dealing narcotics from his vehicle. Surveillance quickly confirmed the tip – officers observed Robinson conducting multiple, blatant hand-to-hand drug transactions. On August 11th, officers moved in to arrest Robinson on an outstanding warrant.
The arrest didn’t go smoothly. While being taken into custody, Robinson attempted to swallow a handful of M30 fentanyl pills, concealing the evidence. Officers acted swiftly, administering Narcan and rushing Robinson to a local hospital. He was treated and released, but the investigation continued. A search of Robinson’s vehicle revealed a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, cocaine, and MDMA pills.
Further investigation led officers to a rental vehicle linked to Robinson. A subsequent search warrant uncovered approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills packaged in plastic baggies, along with powder cocaine. Critically, officers also discovered a privately manufactured firearm – a “ghost gun” – hidden between the passenger seat cushion and seat cover. These untraceable weapons are increasingly popular among criminals.
On April 19th, Robinson formally admitted guilt to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Minneapolis Police Department, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between federal and local law enforcement to combat the fentanyl crisis plaguing the nation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David P. Steinkamp and Justin A. Wesley secured the conviction and sentencing.
The sentence sends a clear message: those who profit from the distribution of deadly fentanyl, while simultaneously arming themselves with illegal weapons, will face significant consequences. The streets of Minneapolis are a little safer with Robinson behind bars, but the fight against drug trafficking and gun violence is far from over.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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