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A California woman was indicted today on a drug trafficking offense involving fentanyl.
Adelaida Yudit Garibay, 45, of Burbank, Calif., was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Garibay has been in custody since she was arrested in September 2021 and charged by criminal complaint.
According to charging documents, in September 2021, officers observed Garibay picking up fentanyl prior to meeting an undercover agent to whom she had arranged to sell two kilograms of fentanyl. Garibay was then allegedly observed getting into a ride-sharing vehicle. A search of the vehicle during a subsequent traffic stop resulted in the seizure of a bag that had allegedly been at Garibay’s feet and contained approximately two kilograms of fentanyl.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of Mendell’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
