A Syracuse man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for trafficking drugs and firearms in the city’s streets.
Uqoeon Lawrence, 29, admitted to selling fentanyl and methamphetamine, illegally possessing firearms, and trafficking guns brought from out of state.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, Lawrence used a shotgun to protect his drug operation and sold two semi-automatic pistols that were purchased in Maine and smuggled into Syracuse. Because of a prior felony conviction, he was barred from having firearms.
“Uqoeon Lawrence peddled toxic drugs in Syracuse, protected his drug business with illegal firearms, and profited by pumping still more illegal guns into our community,” said Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Syracuse is safer with Lawrence behind bars, where he will remain for 15 years.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller said the case reflects a unified law enforcement response. “When individuals flood our streets with guns and deadly drugs, we respond as one team—focused on safeguarding our communities and holding offenders accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Syracuse Police Department Intelligence Unit. Prosecutors included Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Commandeur and retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Lawrence to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
The prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime through focused enforcement and community partnerships.
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