SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Jose Cintron, a 26-year-old Syracuse resident, is facing over a decade in federal prison after being sentenced Wednesday to 151 months – 12 years and 7 months – for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegally carrying a firearm. The bust, a joint operation involving multiple agencies, adds another name to the growing list of dealers fueling the opioid crisis in Central New York.
According to court documents, Cintron was caught red-handed on July 5, 2022, stashing over 1,700 grams – more than 3.7 pounds – of fentanyl inside a relative’s apartment and his own vehicle, both located within Syracuse city limits. Prosecutors successfully argued that Cintron wasn’t holding the massive quantity for personal use, but intended to push the deadly drug onto the streets. This isn’t a simple possession case; this is a clear intent to profit from poisoning our communities.
The DEA investigation didn’t stop at the fentanyl. A search of Cintron’s apartment also revealed a loaded 9mm handgun and four rounds of ammunition. The kicker? Cintron already had a felony conviction for criminal possession of a controlled substance on his record, making firearm possession illegal. The combination of drugs and a weapon paints a dangerous picture of an individual actively involved in criminal activity, disregarding public safety.
U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby didn’t mince words during sentencing, imposing the 151-month prison term, along with a five-year term of post-release supervision. Cintron was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment. While a lengthy sentence, it barely scratches the surface of the damage done by individuals like Cintron who prioritize profit over human life.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the DEA’s New York Division, with crucial assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the Syracuse Police Department, and the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown prosecuted the case, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and gun violence.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the relentless flow of fentanyl into our cities and the dangers posed by armed drug traffickers. While Cintron is behind bars, the fight against the opioid epidemic – and the criminals who profit from it – continues. Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on the individuals preying on vulnerable communities.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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