Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Drug Charges

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 78 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking multiple controlled substances—including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. U.S. District Judge Gregory B. Williams imposed the sentence. According to court documents, Daniel Fernandez, 45, was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD) on June 25, 2025. A drug-sniffing canine alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the car. Officers of the NCCPD searched the vehicle and discovered over 9 kilograms of cocaine, over 3 pounds of methamphetamine, and over a half pound each of heroin and fentanyl. Fernandez admitted that the drugs were his and that he had travelled from New York City in order to deliver them to a customer in Delaware. “Daniel Fernandez tried to smuggle substantial quantities of street drugs from his State into ours,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace. “Those drugs could have ruined the lives of countless Delawareans. But due to the vigilance of our partners at the New Castle County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, those drugs are off the street, and Mr. Fernandez will be spending more than five years in federal prison. This case exemplifies our tireless efforts to protect Delaware from the scourge of drug trafficking.” “This case highlights both the ongoing threat that drug traffickers pose to our communities and the outstanding work of law enforcement at every level to meet that threat,” said DEA Dover Group Supervisor Jason Kaunas. “A significant amount of dangerous drugs were kept off the streets due to the dedication and collaboration between DEA, New Castle County PD, and the USAO. This sentence sends a powerful message and a warning to others that would seek to do harm.” A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 26-cr-04-GBW.