Zahir Allah, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Vermont 2022

A Springfield, Massachusetts man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Vermont.

Zahir Allah, 42, was sentenced to 34 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically cocaine, cocaine base and fentanyl. United States District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Allah to serve a 3-year term of supervised release after his prison sentence is completed.

According to court records, law enforcement began investigating Allah in early 2022. In May of that year, an informant made a controlled purchase of heroin from Allah at an apartment in Winooski, Vermont. The following month, investigators executed a search warrant on the apartment, where they found Allah and a large quantity of drugs.

Police were initially unable to enter the apartment because Allah had leaned against the door to prevent entry. However, they were eventually able to gain access and found Allah in possession of a blue bundle of fentanyl. A search of the apartment uncovered a large stash of drugs, including over 999 glassines of fentanyl, approximately 190 grams of cocaine base, and approximately 301 grams of cocaine.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Vermont State Police, South Burlington Police Department, and Winooski Police Department. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the work of the law enforcement agencies involved in the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Zachary B. Stendig handled the prosecution, while Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls, Esq. represented Allah in court. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Vermont and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in bringing those responsible to justice.

The sentence is a significant blow to the drug trafficking operation and a testament to the dedication of law enforcement officials in Vermont. As the state continues to grapple with the issue of drug trafficking, it is clear that those involved will be held accountable for their actions.

Related Federal Cases