PHILADELPHIA, PA — U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced the sentencing of Euddy Izquierdo, a 42-year-old resident of Philadelphia, to 240 months in prison. The sentence, handed down on Tuesday by United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez, follows Izquierdo’s conviction for serious drug-related offenses and unlawful firearm possession.
The case against Izquierdo stems from a significant operation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which culminated in his arrest on January 10, 2022. During the operation, agents seized a substantial quantity of illegal drugs from a residence on the 2000 block of Sanger Street. The substances recovered included 237.8 grams of para-flourofentanyl, a potent fentanyl analogue, 93.1 grams of fentanyl, 132.1 grams of heroin, 29.7 grams of crack cocaine, 153.8 grams of cocaine, and 26 grams of xylazine. Xylazine, commonly referred to as “tranq,” is a veterinary sedative known for being used as a cutting agent to increase the volume and profitability of street drugs. Additionally, a loaded 9mm firearm was found onsite, further implicating Izquierdo in criminal activities.
Izquierdo’s legal troubles were compounded by his status at the time of arrest; he was on federal supervised release following a prior drug trafficking conviction in 2015. His previous conviction prohibited him from possessing firearms, a law he blatantly violated with the discovery of the weapon in his possession.
Following a two-day trial, a federal jury found Izquierdo guilty on several counts, including possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of controlled substances such as para-fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine. He was also convicted of maintaining a premises for drug trafficking, possessing a firearm as a felon, and using a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
U.S. Attorney Romero underscored the severity and impact of Izquierdo’s actions, stating, “Euddy Izquierdo was like a one-stop shop for narcotics. Heroin, crack, fentanyl, powder cocaine — he pushed all of it into Kensington, profiting from other people’s pain and addiction.” She noted the significant community safety improvements achieved through this enforcement.
Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division, highlighted the compounded dangers posed by Izquierdo’s activities, especially given the ongoing opioid crisis in Kensington. He affirmed that Izquierdo’s sentencing serves as a stern warning to others involved in similar illegal endeavors.
The case was pursued under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, with Assistant United States Attorney Justin Ashenfelter leading the prosecution efforts.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.