BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo couple was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of the powerful narcotic. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced the charges on Thursday, stating that Edwin Santana-Cosme, 56, and Arieana Garcia Del Gado, 37, could each face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is prosecuting the case, the charges stem from an incident on August 17, 2024, when the New York State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Santana-Cosme, with Del Gado as the passenger. Authorities reported that Santana-Cosme was hesitant to pull over, and Del Gado was observed turning around to move an unknown object behind the driver’s seat.
After the vehicle eventually came to a stop, the two provided inconsistent accounts of their travel. A K9 unit was called to the scene and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics in two boxes located behind the driver’s seat. Upon searching the boxes, police discovered two vacuum-sealed packages containing a substance suspected to be fentanyl.
The arrest and subsequent charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New York State Police. “This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our communities,” said DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino. Major Stanley Edwards, III of the New York State Police, also commended the officers involved for their vigilance during the traffic stop.
Both Santana-Cosme and Del Gado remain in custody as they await further legal proceedings.