NEWARK, N.J. — An Essex County man was sentenced to 143 months in prison for possessing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as multiple firearms, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Friday.
Carlos Santiago, 50, of East Orange, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz handed down the sentence in Newark federal court.
According to court documents and statements, on October 24, 2022, federal agents observed Santiago moving controlled substances from a storage unit to his vehicle in Newark. He was arrested after agents found several kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine, and one firearm in the storage unit. A subsequent search of Santiago’s East Orange residence uncovered additional quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as five more firearms. Santiago had prior convictions for a drug offense and resisting arrest in Essex County Superior Court.
In addition to the 143-month prison sentence, Judge Farbiarz ordered Santiago to serve five years of supervised release.
