Plattsburgh man pleads guilty to federal drug conspiracy involving more than three kilograms of MDMA

Syracuse, New York – A 39-year-old Plattsburgh man has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a drug conspiracy involving more than three kilograms of MDMA, a synthetic drug commonly known as ecstasy.

Deontae Alexander admitted to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. The guilty plea was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Farhana Islam, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Division.

The case centers on an attempted drug sale in Plattsburgh on April 21, 2026. According to the facts admitted as part of Alexander’s plea, he agreed with Djosaha Azulphar to sell approximately 3.3 kilograms of MDMA to a person who was secretly working as a DEA informant.

The planned transaction unfolded that day in Plattsburgh. Azulphar met the informant, while Alexander stayed at a gas station located across the street from the meeting. Alexander was carrying a backpack that contained the large quantity of MDMA intended for delivery.

Rather than bring the backpack directly to the meeting, Alexander left the gas station and walked into nearby woods. He then hid the backpack containing the drugs near a tree.

The operation, however, had already drawn the attention of federal investigators. About two hours after hiding the backpack, Alexander returned to the woods to retrieve it. By that time, DEA agents had located the backpack and removed the MDMA, replacing the drugs with rocks.

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Alexander was unaware that investigators had already seized the narcotics. When DEA agents confronted him, he threw the backpack and tried to run. Authorities took him into custody.

The amount of MDMA involved in the case was significant, according to federal prosecutors. The attempted transaction involved approximately 3.3 kilograms of the drug, which authorities said was prevented from reaching the intended recipient.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said the guilty plea carries the possibility of a lengthy federal prison sentence and stressed that federal authorities will continue to target people involved in illegal drug distribution.

“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.”

DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam also pointed to the steps Alexander allegedly took to hide the drugs and avoid detection.

“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.”

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Alexander now awaits sentencing in federal court. Under the charges to which he pleaded guilty, he faces up to 20 years in prison. He could also receive a fine of as much as $1 million and a period of supervised release lasting at least three years and potentially as long as life.

His eventual sentence will not be determined solely by the maximum penalties. Federal prosecutors noted that the sentencing judge will consider the specific statutes involved, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors when deciding the appropriate punishment.

The case also involves Azulphar, who prosecutors say participated in the planned transaction with Alexander. Unlike Alexander, Azulphar has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial on August 24, 2026.

Because the case against Azulphar remains pending, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Douglas G. Collyer is prosecuting the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The guilty plea marks the latest development in an investigation focused on an alleged effort to distribute a large quantity of MDMA in the Plattsburgh area. Federal authorities said the drugs were intercepted before the planned sale could be completed, while Alexander’s admission in court now moves his portion of the case toward sentencing.