Syracuse, New York – In a shocking turn of events, Deontae Alexander, a 39-year-old man from Plattsburgh, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, more commonly referred to as "MDMA" or "ecstasy."
According to court documents, on April 21, 2026, Alexander agreed with Djosaha Azulphar to sell approximately 3.3 kilograms of MDMA to an individual who, unbeknownst to Azulphar, was an informant with the DEA. The MDMA was to be distributed to the informant in Plattsburgh, NY.
Alexander remained at a gas station across the street from the meeting, holding a backpack that contained approximately 3.3 kilograms of MDMA. He left the gas station with the MDMA and entered the nearby woods where he hid the backpack containing the MDMA near a tree. Approximately two hours later, Alexander returned to the woods and retrieved the backpack from where he had hidden it, though unbeknownst to him, DEA had already located the backpack and replaced the MDMA with rocks.
When confronted by DEA, Alexander threw the backpack and attempted to run but was taken into custody. Alexander now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for his role in trafficking illicit narcotics. He also faces a fine of up to $1,000,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, "As a result of this plea, Alexander now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for his role in trafficking illicit narcotics. Working alongside our partners at the DEA, the United States Attorney’s Office remains firmly committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting anyone who seeks to profit from distributing dangerous drugs in our communities. Those who choose to push illicit narcotics into our neighborhoods will face serious federal consequences."
DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam added, "Today’s guilty plea by Deontae Alexander is another example of the DEA’s unwavering commitment to disrupting those who seek to profit from the distribution of dangerous synthetic drugs in our communities. Alexander attempted to distribute more than three kilograms of MDMA and took deliberate steps to conceal the narcotics in an effort to evade law enforcement. Thanks to the outstanding work of our DEA team, this dangerous supply of illicit drugs was intercepted before it could reach our streets."
The case was investigated by the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas G. Collyer. Azulphar, who has pled not guilty, is scheduled to go to trial on August 24, 2026.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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