SCRANTON, PA — Lamar Brown, a 38-year-old resident of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 168 months in federal prison. The sentence was handed down on Friday by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, following Brown’s conviction for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, both of which are classified as Schedule II controlled substances.
The case against Brown unfolded after an investigation revealed that on July 13, 2020, in Luzerne County, he was found in possession of these illegal drugs with the intention of distributing them. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is known for its potency, which can be up to 50 times greater than heroin, posing a significant risk of overdose. Cocaine, a stimulant, remains a persistent challenge for law enforcement agencies working to curb its distribution and use.
The investigation leading to Brown’s arrest and subsequent sentencing was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Kingston Police Department, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office all played roles in uncovering the extent of Brown’s activities.
United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam highlighted the case as a testament to the ongoing commitment of federal and local authorities to address the scourge of drug trafficking. The prosecution, led by Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan, highlights the gravity with which the justice system views crimes related to the distribution of dangerous substances like fentanyl and cocaine.
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