An illegal immigrant from Guyana will spend more than eight years in federal prison for dealing drugs in Wilkes-Barre in 2011.

U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo sentenced Augustine DeCruz, 59, to eight years and eight months in federal prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Thursday.

DeCruz, a native and citizen of Guyana, was sentenced on charges of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm for drug dealing purposes.

State police narcotics officers busted DeCruz in February 2011 after he made multiple drug sales to undercover police in Wilkes-Barre. Police executed search warrants at his Wilkes-Barre residence several times.

Authorities seized 77 grams of crack cocaine, 85 grams of powder cocaine, two handguns, a rifle, about $2,500 in cash, a surveillance system and a large amount of packaging material.

DeCruz was initially hit with state charges, but his case was later transferred to federal authorities for prosecution in federal court.

 

During the investigation, authorities determined DeCruz was illegally living in the United States.