A Jamestown woman will spend seven years in federal prison for her role in a drug trafficking operation involving fentanyl and cocaine, federal prosecutors announced.
Anabell Santiago, 53, was sentenced to 84 months in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute fentanyl and cocaine, along with firearm-related offenses.
Authorities said the case stems from a series of investigations and search warrants executed in 2023 and 2024. During a November 2023 search of a Van Buren Street residence, officers seized cash, fentanyl, pills and drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors said Santiago’s co-defendant, Santos Santiago, attempted to destroy fentanyl during the search, causing it to become airborne and exposing two officers, one of whom required medical attention.
Further investigation included a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Santiago in March 2024. A subsequent search of a Whitley Avenue residence uncovered additional fentanyl, crack cocaine, oxycodone, two loaded handguns, ammunition, more than $30,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia.
Prosecutors said Santiago admitted the seized cash represented proceeds equivalent to at least 300 grams of fentanyl and acknowledged she was an unlawful user of fentanyl while in possession of firearms.
Santiago’s co-defendant was previously sentenced to 132 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jamestown Police Department.
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