Wilmington Man Sentenced for Drug & Weapons Offenses
A Wilmington man has been sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and weapons charges. According to court documents, 38 year old Mandingo Joseph was arrested last December by DEA agents. A search of Joseph’s home turned up over 2400 fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl, pill cutting agents, five digital scales and two guns – on with a fully loaded extended magazine. DEA agents also intercepted a package Joseph mailed through the US mail containing over 1900 fake oxy tablets.
U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.
Additional information from the US Attorney for the State of Delaware’s Press Release:
U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss commented, “Hundreds of Delawareans succumb to fentanyl overdoses every year. For this reason, stopping the flow of fentanyl onto our streets remains a top priority of my office. Similarly, the illegal possession of firearms threatens the safety and security of our community. Such conduct will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we will seek significant prison sentences for those who engage in this activity.”Â
“Fake pills containing illicit fentanyl are by far the biggest drug threat facing our communities today,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Philadelphia Field Division. “That Joseph possessed 4,300 of these pills as well as two guns, one of which had an extended capacity magazine, shows the threat that Joseph posed to the public. For that he has received a lengthy term in federal prison. Learn more about the dangers of fake pills from DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign, which can be accessed at www.DEA.gov.”Â
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Ibrahim prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the DEA Wilmington Resident Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also wishes to thank the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its contributions to the case.
The U. S. Attorney’s Office is committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse. If you need help, drug treatment information is available any time through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service, found online at dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ or by dialing 1.888.545.2600.  Don’t let the pandemic stop you from beginning treatment.
