United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Deontae Alexander, age 39, of Plattsburgh, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, more commonly referred to as “MDMA” or “ecstasy.” 

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

As part of his guilty plea, Alexander admitted that on April 21, 2026, he agreed with Djosaha Azulphar to sell approximately 3.3 kilograms of MDMA to an individual who, unbeknownst to Azulphar, was an informant with the DEA. That day, Azulphar met the informant in Plattsburgh, NY. Alexander remained at a gas station across the street from the meeting, holding a backpack that contained approximately 3.3 kilograms of MDMA that was to be distributed to the informant. Alexander left the gas station with the MDMA and entered the nearby woods where he hid the backpack containing the MDMA near a tree. Approximately two hours later, Alexander returned to the woods and retrieved the backpack from where he had hidden it, though unbeknownst to him, DEA had already located the backpack and replaced the MDMA with rocks. When confronted by DEA, Alexander threw the backpack and attempted to run but was taken into custody.

“Today’s guilty plea by Deontae Alexander is another example of the DEA’s unwavering commitment to disrupting those who seek to profit from the distribution of dangerous synthetic drugs in our communities,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Alexander attempted to distribute more than three kilograms of MDMA and took deliberate steps to conceal the narcotics in an effort to evade law enforcement. Thanks to the outstanding work of our DEA team, this dangerous supply of illicit drugs was intercepted before it could reach our streets. The DEA New York Enforcement Division remains steadfast in identifying, investigating, and dismantling drug trafficking organizations and hold those individuals who fuel the illegal drug trade fully accountable.”

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said, “As a result of this plea, Alexander now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for his role in trafficking illicit narcotics. Working alongside our partners at the DEA, the United States Attorney’s Office remains firmly committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting anyone who seeks to profit from distributing dangerous drugs in our communities. Those who choose to push illicit narcotics into our neighborhoods will face serious federal consequences.”

At sentencing, Alexander faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Azulphar has pled not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial on August 24, 2026. Azulphar is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the DEA. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas G. Collyer.