Federal prosecutors have secured a final guilty plea in a major interstate cannabis trafficking investigation, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
On August 25, 2026, Dwight A. Singletary II, 44, entered a guilty plea in federal court for his role in leading a nationwide cannabis and THC distribution network. Singletary’s conviction marks the 25th and final guilty plea tied to the multi-year federal investigation.
According to press releases from the DEA and federal prosecutors, law enforcement authorities alleged that the organization transported thousands of pounds of cannabis from California to destinations across the United States, primarily targeting New York’s Capital Region.
Federal documents outline the following key details of the operation as alleged by law enforcement:
- Shipping Network: Prosecutors alleged that between April 2017 and June 2022, members of the organization shipped approximately 1,292 packages containing over 15,000 pounds (7,068 kilograms) of marijuana to the Capital Region using commercial carriers such as UPS and FedEx.
- Concealment Techniques: According to federal agents, packages were sent using fictitious shipper names, sealed with specific eBay packing tape, and concealed inside dog food containers and luggage.
- Distribution Infrastructure: Court records state that local associates received the packages in New York for payments ranging from $300 to $400 per delivery. The products were allegedly distributed through local network managers and sold at neighborhood distribution points referred to in court documents as “knock spots”.
- Financial Allegations: The DEA stated that proceeds from the operation were laundered through cashier’s checks, corporate accounts, real estate purchases, and cash couriers.
According to the DEA statement, the multi-year investigation was conducted jointly by the DEA New York Enforcement Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and state and local law enforcement partners.
Department of Justice officials stated that the entry of Singletary’s guilty plea concludes the federal prosecution of all 25 individuals named in connection with the criminal enterprise.
