PHILADELPHIA, PA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero has announced that Wanderis De La Cruz, a 24-year-old from Worcester, Massachusetts, faces federal charges for attempting to provide contraband in a prison.

The indictment charges De La Cruz with one count related to his attempt in July 2024 to smuggle Suboxone into the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia.

The indictment specifies that De La Cruz tried to bring 18 sublingual 8mg films of Suboxone, a medication often used to treat opioid addiction, to an inmate at the facility.

If convicted, De La Cruz could face up to five years in prison. The case is being pursued by the FBI with Assistant United States Attorney Meghan E. Claiborne leading the prosecution.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and De La Cruz is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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Phil Stilton

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