Syracuse, New York – In a major blow to the city’s opioid epidemic, 12 men have been charged with heroin and fentanyl trafficking in a federal indictment announced by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division.
The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on April 19, 2024, charges Jesus Manuel Lopez-Mendez, 34, of New York City, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Lopez-Mendez faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Lopez-Mendez is also charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, specifically 100 grams or more of heroin. He is currently being held without bail pending a detention hearing scheduled for next week.
According to the indictment, the defendants distributed more than two kilograms of heroin and mixtures of heroin and fentanyl in the Syracuse area. The investigation led by DEA seized over 67,000 individual bags of heroin and mixtures of heroin and fentanyl, weighing more than two kilograms, as well as $78,000 in drug proceeds, 11 vehicles, and two handguns.
The case is the result of an ongoing investigation by the DEA, FBI, and local law enforcement agencies. The defendants are expected to appear in federal court in Syracuse in the coming weeks.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: Jesus Manuel Lopez-Mendez
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
City and State: Syracuse, New York
Date: April 19, 2024
Sentence or Outcome: Currently being held without bail pending a detention hearing
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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