Chinese National Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 94 Kilograms of Marijuana

Chinese National Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 94 Kilograms of Marijuana

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Wenjian Zhuo, age 32, a Chinese national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was sentenced July 28, 2026, to 27 months in prison for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute it. Zhuo was convicted by a jury after a two-day trial in federal court in Syracuse in February.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Enforcement Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement.

Evidence presented during the two-day trial proved that on January 22, 2025, Zhuo drove from New York City to the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation where his van was loaded with 94 kilograms (approximately 207 pounds) of marijuana. Zhuo began to transport the marijuana back to New York City where he intended to deliver it when Border Patrol pulled him over and seized the marijuana.

"Our partners at the U.S. Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration are working tirelessly to protect our nation and to crack down on those who traffic illegal drugs into our country," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. "This prison sentence reaffirms this administration's commitment to stopping the flow of dangerous drugs along our northern border - and it delivers a clear message: if you push illegal substances into our communities, we will identify you, we will prosecute you, and you will face justice for your actions. Following this sentence, the Department of Homeland Security will be able to pursue action to revoke Zhuo's legal status and begin the process of deportation. Legal immigrants who violate our laws and put Americans at risk are subject to review and potential revocation of their legal status as part of ensuring the safety and security of our communities."

"This sentencing sends a clear message to those individuals who attempt to traffic illegal marijuana across our border, that actions have consequences," stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. "This defendant traveled hundreds of miles to obtain and transport 94 kilos of marijuana with the intent to distribute it in New York City. The DEA New York Enforcement Division, alongside our U.S. Border Patrol and law enforcement partners, remain steadfast in securing our border and disrupting those drug trafficking individuals and organizations looking to flood our neighborhoods with illegal drugs."

In addition to the 27 months of imprisonment, United States Senior District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered that Zhuo be subject to 3 years of supervised release once released and pay a $5,000 fine.

U.S. Border Patrol and DEA investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted the case.