Bangor Dealer ‘Queezo’ Gets 20 Months in Drug Conspiracy

BANGOR, MAINE – Quindell Smallwood, 28, known on the streets as “Queezo,” is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 20 months for his role in a multi-year drug conspiracy. Chief Judge Nancy Torresen delivered the sentence in U.S. District Court today, adding three years of supervised release to the term. Smallwood was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine base (crack), and oxycodone, a charge stemming from a long-running investigation into drug trafficking in the Bangor area.

Federal prosecutors detailed a conspiracy stretching from January 2013 to September 2015, revealing Smallwood worked with others to funnel illicit drugs into Bangor and beyond. Court records show the operation relied on out-of-state sources to procure the heroin, crack, and oxycodone, which were then distributed to a network of customers. The specifics of Smallwood’s direct involvement – whether he was a major supplier, street-level dealer, or facilitator – remain largely shielded from public view, but his conviction confirms he played a significant role.

This sentencing isn’t an isolated incident. It’s directly linked to the 2017 conviction of Mario Lee, a/k/a “Moe,” who received a staggering 18+ year sentence for his leadership in the same conspiracy. Lee, originally from the Bronx, New York, was identified as a key figure in bringing the drugs into Maine. The length of Lee’s sentence underscores the scale of the operation and the federal government’s determination to dismantle it.

The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), highlights the ongoing struggle to stem the flow of narcotics into Maine. While 20 months may seem lenient to some, federal sentencing guidelines and plea agreements often dictate the final outcome. The three years of supervised release will at least provide some oversight of Smallwood’s activities after his prison term.

United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank’s office was quick to emphasize that this case is part of the Department of Justice’s broader strategy to combat the opioid epidemic. The relentless pursuit of drug traffickers, from street-level dealers like Smallwood to high-level organizers like Lee, is seen as critical to addressing the national crisis. But with new synthetic opioids constantly emerging, the battle is far from over.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Maine and across the nation. The opioid epidemic continues to claim lives and devastate communities, and holding those responsible accountable remains a top priority for law enforcement. The full extent of the network involved in this conspiracy, and any remaining players still at large, remains to be seen.