BUFFALO, N.Y. — Hector Anaya, 51, of Buffalo, New York, pled guilty on Thursday to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, as announced by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Anaya now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, with the possibility of up to 40 years, and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is prosecuting the case, Buffalo Police detectives initiated surveillance of Anaya’s residence in April 2024 after receiving information that he was in possession of a significant quantity of narcotics. During the surveillance, detectives observed Anaya engaging in three hand-to-hand transactions involving suspected heroin and cocaine during controlled purchases.
On April 25, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Anaya’s residence, where they discovered a firearm, ammunition, and a quantity of suspected fentanyl. Anaya was arrested at the scene.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the leadership of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, and the Buffalo Police Department, led by Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. Anaya’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
